College Football

Miami Hurricanes Dismiss DT Courtel Jenkins

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:05 p.m. ET

Fansided, Alan Rubenstein/FanSided via Canes Warning

The Miami Hurricanes have dismissed Defensive Tackle Courtel Jenkins from the program. Jenkins was among a handful of players that were rumored to be seeking a transfer at the end of Miami’s season.

The Hurricanes are also likely to lose running back Gus Edwards. Edwards is seeking a transfer closer to his home in Staten Island, New York. Jenkins was suspended and did not travel with the team for their Hurricanes victory at Virginia. He was also suspended for the 2015 Sun Bowl loss to Washington State.

Jenkins suspension this past season was due to on-field disciplinary issues. He had received multiple personal four penalties on after the whistle plays. His dismissal was for the proverbial “violation of team rules:.

Jenkins was a quality back up to standout defensive tackles R.J. McIntosh and Kendrick Norton. The Juniors to be are backed up by Andrew Moten and Gerald Willis.

Jenkins finishes his UM career with 54 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. The news comes as a mild surprise. Defensive Line Coach Craig Kuligowski discussed Jenkins on National Signing Day Last Wednesday per the Miami Herald.

“He’s a Cane,’’ Kuligowski said. “That was his answer to me. ‘I’m a Cane. Why would I leave my senior year?’ He’s here. He’s 100 percent.’’

The emergence of Moten and Willis should mean that Jenkins departure shouldn’t deplete the Hurricanes depth too much on the defensive line.

Kuligowski was also quoted in the Palm Beach Post about Willis’s upside: “That kid, when they snap the football, he’s ready to go,” Kuligowski said. “He’s a playmaker. I like him a lot. If we’re getting him to play, I want him on my side. I know that.””

Miami added to the depth with a few defensive tackles that signed with the Hurricanes on National Signing Day last Wednesday. D.J. Johnson from Sacramento is the highest rated among the signees.

Miami also has returnees inside beyond Moten and Willis to provide more depth. Miami will miss Jenkins experience, but they should be fine losing him.