Damon Wilson II Emerging as Miami Hurricanes Premier Pass Rusher

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MIAMI, Fla. – After a slow start to the season while adjusting to a new program and system, Miami Hurricanes’ Damon Wilson II is emerging as a premier pass rusher and coming off a dominant performance against Clemson.

En route to a 41-13 win last Saturday, the 21-year-old senior led the nation with 11 pressures and six hurries that week, plus logged three tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two hits on Tigers freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds. Wilson II stepped up as junior star edge rusher Marquise Lightfoot left the first half with an injury and didn’t return.

This was expected from the Missouri transfer, who led the program last season with nine sacks and left with All-Southeastern Second Team honors. Wilson II has shown growth in his skill set under defensive line coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor. He’s playing a critical role in filling the voids left by former star edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr.

Wilson II has great power, athleticism, and is explosive, which was on full display at Death Valley (Memorial Stadium) in prime time. He played a pivotal role in the Hurricanes’ defensive game plan: stop Clemson’s run game and force Reynolds to throw more. The Tigers finished with just 55 rushing yards and the 19-year-old completed 29 of 44 passes (both new collegiate career highs).

Last season, the Hurricanes depended heavily on Mesidor and Bain Jr. to set the edges. Head coach Mario Cristobal alluded to them barely ever leaving the field. As both wound up being first-round selections in this year’s NFL Draft, it created opportunities for others to follow the same path.

Wilson II was among those to pursue it. He’s been known to create havoc at the line of scrimmage, but improvements in stopping the run were the most highlighted upon arriving in Coral Gables. Hurricanes defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman preaches about making opponents one-dimensional. Although the pass-rushing is on display week-by-week, Wilson II is graded a 49.1 run defender, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Venice (Fla.) native chose the Hurricanes to become a well-rounded player. He landed in one of the best situations to achieve that. As the Hurricanes enter a bye week, Damon Wilson II and the rest of the roster have an opportunity to heal up and prepare with extra time before an in-state rivalry clash at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 17 against the Florida State Seminoles. Kickoff has officially been scheduled for 7:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ESPN.

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– Jack Dickert Believes Wake Forest Outmatched UM's Physicality, Despite the Results

– Did UM's Jackson Cantwell Hint at a Full-Time Return to Left Tackle?

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