On Friday, the Miami Hurricanes received a commitment from one of the best defensive tackles in the transfer portal and former Michigan State starter Simeon Barrow Jr., which helped to shore up what may have been their most concerning position. Last season, Barrow played in 12 games for Michigan State, starting 10. He finished with 36 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He received an All-Big 10 honorable mention. 6-3 and 296 pounds, Barrow produced 110 stops in three seasons at Michigan State, including 18.5 for loss, 10.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Over the previous three seasons, he has started ten games. Missouri and LSU had also crossed Barrow’s mind. Texas and FSU also put in a push.
Barrow told on3.com that the Canes have a staff that can support him and that he had a great time on his campus visitation to UM earlier this week. Jason Taylor, the co-defensive line coach, is part of that staff. After losing Jared Harrison-Hunte to the transfer portal and Leonard Taylor and Branson Deen to the NFL, UM desperately needed defensive tackles. The Canes had five seasoned defensive tackles before adding Barrow on Friday: Anthony Campbell, Josh Horton, Ahmad Moten, Marley Cook, who moved from Middle Tennessee State, and CJ Clark, who transferred from North Carolina State. Horton played 32 defensive snaps, Campbell 8 and Moten 129 for UM in the previous season.
In May, three highly sought-after defensive tackles—among them, five-star prospect Justin Scott from Chicago—will report to UM. Another highly anticipated defensive tackle prospect in UM’s incoming class is four-star Artavius Jones. Remember that Reuben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, the starting defensive ends, can play tackle. However, in the end, they are necessary. With the acquisitions of Oregon State running back Damien Martinez, Marshall cornerback Dyoni Hill, Houston receiver Sam Brown, and Louisville linebacker Jaylin Alderman, the Canes have had a very good week on the transfer portal.
All six of the visits to the school in the last week—aside from former Tennessee edge rusher Tyler Baron, who is still considering his options—have committed to UM. With six sacks from the previous season, Barrow is still in the running for UM. Miami might benefit from more assistance at safety, cornerback, and/or edge rusher. However, it’s evident that the roster has improved since last week.
