Boasting two of the ACC's top-graded tackles, the Miami Hurricanes' defensive interior prepares to transition from complementary roles to dominant forces capable of anchoring a championship-caliber front.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Hurricanes are the only Atlantic Coast Conference program with two top-10 graded returning defensive tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.
No. 3: Ahmad Moten Sr. (77.6)
No. 7 (74.1)
The rest of the list:
No. 1: Duke's Dakota Quinonez
No. 2: Florida State's Jordan Sanders
No. 4: Pitt's Sean Fitzsimmons
No. 5: Virginia's Justin Townsend
No. 6: Virginia Tech's Kemari Copeland
No. 8: UNC's Isaiah Johnson
No. 9: Louisville's Jerod Smith II
No. 10: Wake Forest's Matt Herron
Last season, edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr. hogged the spotlight, displaying great dominance on the field. Despite both departing for the NFL, the focus and highlights could shift towards the interior.
Moten Sr. is coming off a breakout season: 31 total tackles, 20 solos and 11 assists, nine tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks in 14 games (all starts). After passing on the NFL to return to the Coral Gables program, he has an opportunity to solidify a higher draft stock. Moten Sr. has received early first-round projections for the 2027 class.
The Fort Lauderdale native has an explosive first step, showing great speed and agility. He’s unofficially listed at 6-3 and 300 pounds. The redshirt senior has taken full advantage of an expanded opportunity.
Moten Sr. didn’t participate in spring practices, recovering from injuries in the College Football Playoffs, but has returned to Coral Gables with the team for fall camp.
Next to him will be Scott.
The Chicago, Illinois, native had a productive sophomore campaign. He logged 26 total tackles, 15 solos and 11 assists, 6.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble in 15 games (nine starts).
Scott is entering the season as a first-time NFL Draft-eligible prospect. He has a combination of raw talent and explosiveness, which makes him difficult for offensive guards and centers to contain. Scott has an NFL-ready frame: 6-4 and 303 pounds.
Both interior stoppers are developed under defensive tackle coach and former 10-year NFL veteran Damione Lewis.
The Hurricanes will still find production around the edges, but the interior could be the driving force at the line of scrimmage next season. Moten Sr. and Scott will take on leadership roles while causing havoc on the field. Behind them are Jarquez Carter and Keona Davis, a couple of transfers who joined the team in last winter’s window.
Last year in the fall, Moten Sr. and Scott were complementary players next to Mesidor and Bain Jr. This time around, they will be under the spotlight for a program looking to win its first conference title in 23 years and compete for a National Championship.
