Hurricanes' defense looks to make another jump

UM defensive lineman Calvin Heurtelou (93) during the second day of UM football practice at the Greentree Practice Fields at the University of Miami. Heurtelou is one of several players expected to make an impact on the line for Miami's defense. (Jim Rassol, Sun Sentinel)Though the Hurricanes limped to a 6-7 record a year ago, one of the positives coach Al Golden touted when the season was over was Miami's improvement on defense.

And while the unit did struggle in some games — particularly against the run at both Nebraska and Georgia Tech — there were some numbers that proved Miami's defensive unit made progress from 2013.

That year, Miami's 90th-ranked defense allowed opponents an average of…