Transfer Spotlight – Miami DE Quincy Roche
At CFB Saturdays we recognize that the landscape is always changing in College Football and the undeniable impact transfers have had on our beloved sport in recent history. Transfers have gone on to make College Football Playoff runs, win the Heisman, the National Championship, and become top NFL Draft Picks (Joe Burrow recently accomplished all of the above). Over the next few days, we will take a look at the potential impact of top Transfers in 2020 in our Transfer Spotlight Series. Today we take a look at Miami DE Quincy Roche who is the #4 ranked DE in our rankings.
A Beast in the Northeast
Quincy Roche made his collegiate debut against Notre Dame in 2017 and recorded four tackles, 1.5 TFL, and 1.0 sack. That Notre Dame offensive line was very talented and included the top two offensive linemen taken in the 2018 NFL Draft. Roche would continue to have a successful freshman campaign, totaling 31 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 7.0 sacks, and 3 FF. In 2018, Roche backed up his strong first season with a similar sophomore campaign totaling 57 tackles, 9.0 TFL, 6.0 sacks, and 2.0 FF. He also made major special teams contributions with two blocked kicks.
In his junior season Roche received a single digit number, an honor reserved for the toughest and most committed players on the team. Roche did not disappoint on the field either, as he went on the have his best season, totaling 49 tackles, 19.0 TFL, 13.0 sacks, 1 FF, and 1 blocked kick. Roche was a terror off the edge in the AAC, arguably the best non-power five conference in 2019, and was named the conference’s defensive player of the year by the coaches. Looking to improve his draft stock at a bigger conference, Roche entered the transfer portal as an immediately eligible grad transfer.
A Great Fit for Miami
As a native of Baltimore, MD, there was speculation that Roche could transfer closer to home. Roche was believed to be heavily considering a transfer to Virginia Tech and North Carolina, but ultimately ended up signing with Miami. Roche became the second big name player from the AAC to transfer to the Hurricanes, joining QB D’Eriq King (Click here for our transfer spotlight on King). Head coach Manny Diaz, who pulled in big names in 2019, is once again the king of the transfer portal.
These additions are more proven than the names from last year, however. Diaz has signed proven commodities at QB, OT (Jarrid Williams), K (Jose Borregales), and DE with Roche. For Roche, the step up in competition along with the opportunity to play opposite of Gregory Rousseau (#1 DE) is enticing. With teams having to pick who to double team, there should be plenty of one on one match ups for Roche to do some damage.
Quincy Roche as a Player
Roche is a muscular, long armed, and athletic player off the edge. Roche has a great first step and understands how to rush the passer in a multitude of ways. He is often able to use his speed to beat tackles around the edge and find his way to the quarterback. Far from a one-trick player, Roche shows an excellent inside swim move and can surprise tackles with his quickness and power. In addition to his talent, skill, and athleticism, Roche’s effort and relentless motor help him make plays others may have given up on.
At 6’4” 235 lbs, there is concern that Roche may need to add a few more pounds to hold his own at the point of attack in the ACC. There is always room for improvement at the collegiate level, but handling the uptick in competition on a weekly basis is the main concern. That being said, we expect him to make a smooth transition and make an impact in conference play.
What It Means for Miami
The Hurricanes have had a major makeover this offseason. The major problem with the team this past season was the inability to score points. The hope is that the hiring of offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, the transfer of quarterback D’Eriq King (#4 QB), and the addition of grad transfer tackle Jarrid Williams will provide major upgrades. There is reason for optimism with Lashlee’s spread, up-tempo attack matching the skillset of the personnel coupled with King’s dynamic playmaking ability.
The defense has been strong since Diaz was hired by Mark Richt as the defensive coordinator. The unit does lose senior linebackers Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney, but the team returns senior Zach McCloud (who redshirted last season), and young players with upside in sophomore Sam Brooks and redshirt freshman Avery Huff.
The back end returns just about every major contributor, less the undersized but talented Trajan Bandy and striker Romeo Finley. Much like linebacker there are talented players for the Hurricanes, including safeties, Gurvan Hall, Bubba Bolden, and Amari Carter. After up and down sophomore seasons, Al Blades Jr. and DJ Ivey should be in line for an improved junior season. There are a bevy of young four star recruits entering their second season that should be primed to make contributions.
While there are questions (and potential) in the back seven, the defensive line is the unquestioned strength of the unit. The defensive tackles are solid with players like Jon Ford, Nesta Silvera, and Jordan Miller. With the addition of Quincy Roche, the defensive ends should be spectacular. In addition to Rousseau and Roche, the team has former #1 overall player Jaelan Phillips, and four star redshirt freshman Jahfari Harvey. The group is talented, deep, and quite simply loaded.
It is no secret that pass rush is essential for strong defensive play. With the addition of Roche, an already frightening pass rush is taken to elite status. The pieces are in place for a successful season, now look for the sacks to pile up and the wins to follow.
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