Hurricanes DL Tyler Baron making smooth transition to Miami, sees group meshing together with “not really a lot of egos”

The Miami Hurricanes only have one proven holdover on the defensive line in terms of 2023 production, and that’s freshman All-American end Rueben Bain. So it was a big deal when UM added 2023 Tennessee starting DL Tyler Baron out of the second portal transfer window.

It’s expected Baron will team with Bain as the starters, although Akheem Mesidor is looking to round back into form after missing most of last year injured. Marshall transfer Elijah Alston can also be a factor, although he’s considered more in the rush end mold. And some younger guys will also be battling for end reps this fall.

Baron says he could work inside as needed, something he’s also done in the past.

“(I chose Miami) because of the culture was the biggest thing, being able to have a seamless transition from the last place here,” Baron said. “Being able to play around a lot of good guys, that’s a big thing. I wanted to be a part of a really strong D line group.”

As for Baron? Well, he’s strong enough to set the edge while quick enough to get after the quarterback and be disruptive in the backfield – last season he had 10.5 TFL and five sacks.

Of note is Baron was out in the spring due to a shoulder injury before transferring (he was at Louisville for the spring semester), but he’s full go for the season.

“The thing that’s been really surprising is how well it’s meshed together (with so many new faces on the DL from last year),” Baron said. “I think there’s not really a lot of egos in that room, I think everybody is just excited to play with one another and go from there.”

A 6-5, 260-pounder, Baron has plenty of experience and production. He started 19 games in his four years with the Vols, and last season started all 12 games and had 28 tackles along with the aforementioned five sacks and 10.5 TFL along with a fumble recovery for a touchdown. In 2022 he started three games and had 22 tackles with 6.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks. 2021 saw him with five starts and he had 30 tackles along with four sacks and seven TFL.

As far as his Pro Football Focus grades? Baron ended last year with a solid 78.5 percent grade in 444 reps (elite 83.3 pass rush grade) and was noted with 41 QB pressures and 31 hurries. In 2022 he had a 73.7 overall grade in 438 reps (73.7 pass rush grade, 29 QB pressures), and in 2021 he played 433 reps and graded out at 72.9 percent overall (77.2 pass rush grade, 32 QB pressures).

As an older player, Baron says he’s looking to be a “leader by example, also a vocal leader.”

Of course, he’s also working hard to acclimate to the system quickly.

“In terms of transition, it’s been really smooth for me,” Baron said. “I’ve been really happy with the transition, excited to be here.”

How good does Baron think this defense can be in the coming season?

“As a group we can really succeed, especially with how much depth we have,” Baron said. “It’s exciting just to be able to throw so many different punches at opposing teams.”

The post Hurricanes DL Tyler Baron making smooth transition to Miami, sees group meshing together with “not really a lot of egos” appeared first on On3.