Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman spent Monday afternoon talking through what he liked from the Hurricanes’ 77-7 win over FAMU and what’s next with Wake Forest coming up. The biggest theme from his comments was simple: Miami feels good about the way its defensive backfield is developing, and Hetherman believes that competition has turned the room into one of the defense’s most flexible groups.
That versatility starts with the depth at defensive back. Hetherman said the players have kept improving since spring football and through fall camp, and that growth has given Miami more options on the back end. As he put it, “Coverage-wise, what we're doing in the back end, it allows us to be very versatile, do a lot of different things.”
He kept coming back to the same idea when discussing Damari Brown, Bryce Fitzgerald and Ethan O’Connor: the competition inside the room has raised the level for everyone. Hetherman said he doesn’t think in terms of starters, backups or third-stringers.
Instead, he wants players moving through different groups and learning to work with different teammates. That shuffle, in his view, has helped the unit grow together.
He pointed to the way Miami rotates its defensive backs through different looks and different partners, noting that they aren’t always playing with the same linebacker, safety or defensive end on their side. That constant mixing, he said, has helped the group build chemistry. He also singled out younger players who are still pushing forward, including Ryan Mack, Portis and Ewald.
When Hetherman got into the underclassmen at defensive back, he again emphasized value and versatility. Ryan Mack and Chris Ewald were the first names he brought up, and he said both can line up at nickel, corner and even a little safety. He also praised what they bring on special teams, calling those snaps “game reps.”
The freshmen are coming along too. Hetherman mentioned Portis and Brody, saying both are improving their technique, footwork and eye discipline while staying heavily involved with the coaches. He said they’re always in the building, always meeting, always watching film, and always getting work in one-on-ones, seven-on-seven and team periods so they’re ready when their chance comes.
Hetherman also had plenty to say about JJ Dunnigan’s skill set. He described him as a player who can handle multiple jobs depending on the week: corner, strong, nickel or free.
He said Dunnigan has good size, can play in the box, tackles well and blitzes well. More broadly, Hetherman tied that to the kind of recruiting Miami wants to do, saying the staff wants to evaluate players, not just positions.
He added that Dunnigan’s approach has stood out. Hetherman said he’s always in the office, always watching film and asking good questions.
If he struggles, Hetherman said, he gets corrected quickly and avoids repeating the same mistake. Hetherman also connected that growth to the recent success Miami has had with young defensive backs stepping into bigger roles, including Fitz last year.
As for Wake Forest, Hetherman was asked about going against Gio Lopez, a dual-threat quarterback.
In Other News...
Miami Is About To Face Its First Real Test Up Front
Miamis offense is about to find out a lot more about itself. After two games of easing into the season, Shannon Dawson and Mario Cristobal are focused on a step up in class next week, when the Hurricanes run into a Wake Forest defensive front that has already shown it can make life uncomfortable.
For Miami, the spotlight is squarely on the offensive line and the kind of communication that tends to get tested most when the opponent can win up front without needing much help. Cristobal and Dawson both pointed to Wake Forests early-season defensive work as a reminder that this wont be another dress rehearsal, and the Hurricanes will need cleaner timing and sharper coordination to handle a much tougher assignment. [Read more 🡒]
Miami Is Still In The Fight For A Massive 5-Star Target
Mark Matthews remains one of the biggest name recruits Miami is still chasing in the 2027 cycle, and the Hurricanes are not backing off despite his pledge to Texas A&M. The five-star offensive lineman from St. Thomas Aquinas has stayed in contact with Miami, and the staff continues to treat him as a priority target as it looks to keep stacking talent up front.
Matthews has shown appreciation for the Hurricanes' effort and the family atmosphere around the program, which at least keeps the door open as Miami pushes to strengthen its offensive line haul. With a highly ranked 2027 class already taking shape, landing a player of Matthews' caliber would be a major add, even if he has not suggested any change to his commitment yet. [Read more 🡒]
Miami Faces An Early Test That Could Change Everything
Miamis early-season path gets a quick reality check Friday night when the Hurricanes head to Wake Forest, a road stop that comes with more weight than the calendar might suggest. Around college football, Oregon is trying to steady itself after a loss to Oklahoma State and Houston is staring at No. 13 Texas Tech in Lubbock, so Miamis matchup fits into a busy night that could start shaping how teams are viewed before the schedule really settles in.
For the Hurricanes, this is the kind of game that can sharpen the conversation around where they stand and how far they have to go. Road games always bring a different level of scrutiny, and with standings and perception both still in flux, Miami has a chance to make an early statement while the season is still young and the margin for error is thin. [Read more 🡒]