The 2023 Miami defensive line was bolstered by a true freshman who tied for the team lead in sacks with 7.5.
Considering how difficult it has been for a first-year player to make an impact along the trenches in general, being tied for first in sacks is a tremendous achievement. It also needs to be noted that the 2023 Canes possessed several talented front-seven defenders racing to get to the quarterback like linebacker Francisco Mauigoa . He had 7.5 sacks himself.
Rueben Bain, Jr . accomplished that same total as a true freshman out of Miami (Fla.) Central though. Pro Football Focus came out with their “Highest graded freshmen edge rushers from the 2023 season.” Bain topped the list.
Beyond his sacks, Bain had 44 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4 quarterback hurries, 1 pass breakup, and 3 forced fumbles. He made big plays against top competition, too.
During Miami’s upset of Clemson, Bain came away with 2 sacks and 2 tackles for loss. He also accounted for his highest tackle total of the season with 8.