Mitchell Agude after Wednesday practice: "Everyone has one objective, to win games"
DE Mitchell Agude has gone from one coast to the other, but some things never change. Agude, a Miami transfer from UCLA, is still showing off that nonstop motor and playmaking that got him a spot on Mario Cristobal’s roster this fall.
Agude’s poised to have a big role in what should be a deep defensive end rotation that’s also expected to include fellow transfer Akheem Mesidor and returners Chantz Williams and Jahfari Harvey. Plus freshman Nyjalik Kelly’s impressed this fall. So there’s a lot of talent up front on this UM defense, much of it new faces.
His adjustment to Miami?
“It’s been good, everything fast-paced here,” Agude said after the team’s Wednesday practice. “Something about Miami, the culture is about winning. Everyone has one objective, to win games. It comes with the work.
“It’s a good adjustment for me, because I want to be the best version of myself.”
Agude’s stats were not overwhelming at UCLA, but he hopes that will change this season. He had just 4 1/2 sacks and 15 1/2 tackles for loss in 19 games and 15 starts over the past two seasons. But he also was credited with 38 quarterback pressures, 54 tackles and four forced fumbles. That was good enough to make second team All Pac-12.
So there is a lot of potential there.
And he’s improved since his time at UM.
“The way we practice, way we work, every single team rep we’re always having a game mentality,” Agude said. “We go on game speed, are really ready for the season.”
Agude’s strength is he is an excellent pass rusher who graded out at 74.7 and 75.2 in that department the last two years (per Pro Football Focus).
He says in this defense he’s playing backside end whereas at UCLA he was frontside end.
“That helps me make moves,” Agude says. “(Coaches stress) effort, play physical and just get sacks.”
Agude has made quick work of picking up Kevin Steele’s defense, and he’s excited about what the season holds for the D line.
“We’re always one together,” Agude said. “Being together helps us become a family.
“Once the season comes we’ll get the fruits of our labor.”
*Agude singled out Harvey for praise, saying “He’s one of the leaders that just shows everyone the standard, how the Miami Hurricanes are supposed to be.
“Jahfari, we call him `The Voice’ because he’s always loud, telling people run to the ball. He’s the type of guy people can lean on if you’re tired, need any adjustments on the field.”
*Asked about the tackling this fall, Agude says “We’re always working on pursuit angles. Our tackling drills will show in the season. We’re definitely focusing more on tackling as a defensive group.”
