For a long while, success at defensive end has focused upon the number two: A pair of ends who bookend one another to make a formidable tandem. Cultivating talent to produce a second unit that has little to no drop off from the starters, Miami has the personnel to attack opponents in waves from the edge of scrimmage. And, of course, only two players are allowed to be on the field at a time.
Entering spring practices, defensive line coach Jess Simpson has upped the ante — so to speak. Miami finds itself littered with a plethora of athletes set to line up on the edge of scrimmage.