Roche ready to step up in Rousseau’s absence
There’s only one thing the Miami Hurricanes defensive ends can do following the departure of top draft prospect Gregory Rousseau, who opted out of the college football season on Thursday to declare for the 2021 NFL draft.
Step up.
And when you lose a pass rusher responsible for 151⁄2 sacks the year before, what better player to have lead the unit than someone that had 13?
That’s what grad transfer Quincy Roche did at Temple in 2019, and while he originally figured to form one of the most feared pass-rushing tandems in college football with Rousseau, he’ll now lead once again in his new setting.
“I think it’s no different than what I did at Temple,” Roche said in a web conference with reporters on Friday night after the Hurricanes’ first practice of fall camp. “Being a guy that has to take control of the room, and it’s a lot of talent around, a lot of talent in the room. We are so deep at defensive end. Obviously, we’re going to take a hit with Greg, but it’s next man up.”
Roche said that, over offseason workouts and limited spring drills before the COVID-19 pandemic, he got to build chemistry working with both Rousseau and redshirt junior Jaelan Phillips, who may be propelled to starting duties after sitting out the 2019 season following his transfer from UCLA.
“We got to build a nice relationship over the few months,” Roche said. “I think that’ll translate to the field. We have that camaraderie, that chemistry on the field. I think that’ll be a benefit for us going into the season.”
On Thursday, Miami defensive coordinator Blake Baker said Roche, Phillips and redshirt freshman Jahfari Harvey will likely be the top three defensive ends and the team will look for fourth and fifth contributors during camp. Redshirt freshman Cameron Williams and true freshmen Chantz Williams, Elijah Roberts and Quentin Williams will compete, along with defensive tackles
Jason Blissett and Jared HarrisonHunte, who can also line up out wide.
“Those guys were already highly motivated for the season, but now they know that their role really steps up,” Diaz said. “All of those guys, I think our entire defensive line room is energized and very excited about the state of affairs.”
Before Miami, Roche totaled 137 tackles, 39 1⁄2 for loss, and 26 sacks over three seasons at Temple.
Heading into camp, Roche was able to lean on Rousseau, linebacker Zach McCloud, defensive tackle Nesta Silvera and the rest of his fellow defensive linemen in learning the defense.
“The D-line group is really a family atmosphere, so we kind of all help each other out,” Roche said. “That’s what it’s all about. I could ask down the line, any Dtackle — Jaelan, he understands what’s going on — so I can ask any of the guys and they have the answers.”
First practice notes
Manny Diaz said the Hurricanes came out with “great energy” for the first practice of fall camp amid the uncertainty all offseason that the day would come amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think there was a real sense that today was not promised to us,” Diaz said. “Just a real appreciation for all of us to be out there and have the opportunity to sort of immerse ourselves in this game.”
■ Diaz said grad transfer offensive lineman Jarrid Williams is starting off at right tackle in camp. This was expected as that’s where he played the most at Houston.
■ Senior offensive lineman Navaughn Donaldson, while he announced this offseason that he will use the 2020 season to redshirt as he recovers from a knee injury, could be an option to return late in the season while maintaining his redshirt.
Diaz even said that he has heard rumblings of the redshirt eligibility quota getting pushed to six games played instead of the usual four due to the unique circumstances surrounding the season.
■ In video released by the Miami Hurricanes of the first practice of fall camp — media does not have access to practice and is only doing interviews over Zoom — Jaelan Phillips is seen sporting Gregory Rousseau’s old No. 15 jersey.
Phillips previously wore No. 95 while sitting out last season at UM. Phillips also wore No. 15 while at UCLA.