Appalachian State Mountaineers

Miami Hurricanes Gerald Willis Out for Russell Athletic Bowl

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 4:28 p.m. ET

Fansided, Alan Rubenstein/FanSided via Canes Warning

The Palm Beach Post’s Matt Porter is reporting that Miami Hurricanes backup defensive tackle Gerald Willis will miss the Russell Athletic Bowl after having surgery to repair the medical collateral ligament in his left knee.

Porter reported that Willis dealt with knee issues for the second half of the season. The redshirt sophomore is in his first season with the Hurricanes after sitting out the 2015 season following a transfer from Florida after one season in Gainesville.

Willis has 19 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and two passes defensed in nine games this season. He was suspended for the season opener against Florida A&M for a violation of team rules and missed the losses to North Carolina and Virginia Tech.

Willis has been behind starters Kendrick Norton and R.J. McIntosh on the depth chart this season. His absence will create more playing time for backup defensive tackles Anthony Moten and Courtel Jenkins.

Jenkins has also had disciplinary and injury issues this season. He did not make the trip for the Hurricanes game at Virginia because of repeated personal foul penalties. He missed games earlier in the season after surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Earlier this week Peter Ariz of Canes Insight reported the Willis and Jenkins could be among several Hurricanes to leave early for the NFL Draft or transfer after the season is over. Jenkins has nine tackles, 3.5 for loss and one pass defense this season.

Moten is a Junior and had four tackles, including a half tackle for loss this season. He missed the game against FAMU with a shoulder injury. The Hurricanes could also shuffle around the ends and viper position to move some of the defensive linemen inside.

The Miami defense has been shorthanded frequently this season. The defensive line has especially been hard hit by injuries. Redshirt Freshman Scott Patchan and Freshman Tyreic Martin have missed the entire season with injuries.

Senior Cornerback Adrian Colbert also suffered a season ending injury. The transfer from Texas broke his left forearm in the season’s second to last game against North Carolina State. Colbert has been a solid contributor for the ‘Canes this season. He has recorded 18 tackles, 3.5 for loss, an interception and three pass defenses.

With about two weeks remaining until they play the Mountaineers, the Miami coaching staff has far more than the usual amount of time to adjust to the injuries. They face a formidable challenge in Orlando against a very good West Virginia offense.