Will Miami Hurricanes be down three defensive starters vs. Ole Miss?

4 days ago 2

PHOENIX — The Miami Hurricanes are going up against a top-10 offense in Ole Miss, but luckily for UM, some key players may be able to bounce back from injury in time for the game.

Miami listed cornerback Damari Brown and defensive lineman Ahmad Moten Sr. as questionable, and cornerback OJ Frederique Jr. as probable on Monday evening’s initial availability report. All three have been important parts of the defense this season.

UM coach Mario Cristobal said Saturday that all three players were “progressing at a pretty good rate.”

Wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw and linebacker Malik Bryant were listed as out. Defensive lineman Cole McConathy was listed as questionable.

Frederique and Moten both suffered their injuries during the Miami win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. Moten suffered an apparent ankle injury and did not return to the game. Frederique left the game with an apparent leg injury after trying to defend a pass to Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Frederique was on crutches during the postgame celebration; Moten was not. In a video shared on TikTok by The Athletic’s Chris Vannini, Cristobal asks Moten how his ankle is, and Moten said he did not care because UM won.

Moten, a Cardinal Gibbons alumnus, has been an integral part of the Hurricanes’ defensive line this season. He has 25 tackles with five tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus gives him a 78.2 defensive grade.

Frederique, a St. Thomas Aquinas alum, was a freshman All-American last year. He missed Miami’s last five games of the regular season but returned for the playoffs. He has 17 tackles with five pass breakups, and PFF gives him 60.7 grade this season.

Brown has not played since the regular season ended. Brown has 24 tackles and one pass deflection, and he has earned a 75.9 defensive grade from PFF.

Here is the Hurricanes’ complete initial injury report: