With new defense comes new confidence for this defense, and Miami Hurricanes DE Nyjalik Kelly predicts “This is our revenge year”

There could be several breakout performers for the Miami Hurricanes this season on both sides of the ball. And, on defense, one who seems poised for that is end Nyjalik Kelly. Kelly showed flashes as a true freshman las year, and this fall is working in as the primary first-teamer ahead of Jahfari Harvey.

Akheem Mesidor is the returning starter at the other end position.

“I feel ready,” Kelly said. “Technique, explosives, quickness, everything just got better. It’s just attention to detail with everything.”

As a true freshman last season, Kelly had four sacks for Miami playing off the bench behind Mesidor, Mitchell Agude (who graduated) and Harvey. The former four-star out of Ft. Lauderdale Dillard graded out at 63.5 on the year per Pro Football Focus (70 is considered a good grade) with a stellar 82.7 tackle grade, a 63.1 run defense grade and 65.4 pass rush grade.

Now he’ll adjust to an attacking style of defense under Lance Guidry in which ends are stand up rushers and also drop in coverage.

“In high school they always told me I’d be dropping back but I didn’t believe them,” Kelly said. “Coach Guidry showed the defensive ends can drop back, rush, set the edge, go under and play defensive tackle. He gave the edges a way to move around and show scouts we are the most athletic people in football.”

Kelly says he’s been working hard in the weight room to become a dominant force.

He has put on 10 pounds since last season, pushing past 250.

And he knows there’s a lot of competition for reps as fall drills continue.

“Right now I don’t know where anybody fits in, we’re taking it day by day, just competing,” he said. “Twos can play like the ones, ones can compete with the twos. The more depth the better.”

While he’s still young and learning, Kelly plans to be a bit piece of this year’s Miami defense.

“I’m always ready,” Kelly said. “Everybody is working hard out there.”

What can people expect from this D?

“They can expect us flying around, playing fast, physical,” Kelly said. “Wherever the ball is, expect 11 hats there … I feel a difference this year from last year. Everybody has a better attitude, ready to work, ready to change the outcome of last season. This is our revenge year.”

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