UMs DE Chad Thomas (9) and DL R.J. McIntosh (80) at the University of Miamis first day of football practice for the 2017 season on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017 in Miami, Fla. (Charles Trainor Jr./Miami Herald/TNS)

CORAL GABLES The Hurricanes strongest unit, by any reasonable projection, is a defensive front loaded with NFL talent.

Senior endChad Thomasand junior tacklesRJ McIntoshandKendrick Nortoncould be drafted after this year. SophomoreendJoe Jacksonis talented enough to be a high pick in the 2019 draft. Add the potential of freshman endsJonathan GarvinandDJ Johnsonand the steady play of veteran endsDemetrius JacksonandTrent Harrisand UM has a group that opponents could treat with fear and envy.

Craig Kuligowskis defensive lines at Missouri were some of the best in the nation, year-in, year-out. The school promoted itself as D-Line Zou, a play on D-Line U, and it was Kuligowskis eye for talent and player development that made it happen. The defensive line coach produced four first-round NFL draft picks from 2009-2015. It probably wont be long before hes got another.

That in mind: how does the talent on this Miami D-line stack up with some of the ones hes coached?

I like em, Kuligowski said, laughing. I like em a lot. I think they can be really good. I dont think therell be too many people in the country that can line up and say they have better people than us. Hopefully I can get them trained to do the right things.

Updates on the units progress, followingFridays practice:

* In the spring, Kuligowski was extremely high on Garvin, commenting that his first five practices were as good as Ive ever seen from a freshman. It seems hes carried that to the fall. [He] has looked more like an upperclassman than a true freshman, Kuligowski said of Garvin, who set a Lake Worth High record for sacks in a season (25) last year. Were very happy we had him in the spring, had him all summer to train. I think hell be able to really contribute some good things for us this year.

Kuligowski said Garvin, 6-foot-4, is close to his listed weight of 235 pounds.

Fellow freshmandefensive endDJ Johnson,listed at 6-4, 240, is not at his listed weight. Hes 30 pounds heavier. Kuligowski likes what he sees.

Hes been great, Kuligowski said of Johnson, who arrived in July from Sacramento and is working as a third-team end. The big thing about the freshmen is they come out here, theyve got to learn how to stretch, where we eat, go to meetings. Were making them work harder than theyve ever worked in their lives. Its a shock and awe factor that goes on. The big thing is just get better one day at a time. I think hes really done that. Hes a guy that weighs 270 pounds, can really fly. Once he learns what to do with it, who knows what can happen.

Kuligowski said he doesnt envision Johnson growing into a tackle. Hell be defensive end, Kuligowski said. If he keeps eating to 300 pounds

* Kuligowski on defensive tackleJon Fords arrival: Were looking forward to it. God willing, itll be soon. UM is hopeful Ford, the only player in UMs 2017 signing class yet to arrive, will qualify by next week.

* What about defensive tackle depth behind starters Norton and McIntosh? Kuligowski wasnt asked aboutGerald Willis situation the redshirt junior, who is taking a leave of absence, has been in the Los Angeles area training; Mark Richthas deemed it a personal matter and declined to comment. But Kuligowski said converted end Pat Bethel, a sophomore, has done a great job. Hefeels seniorAnthony Motenis a starting-level of player. Hell get a lot of time. Redshirt freshmanTyreic Martin and redshirt sophomoreRyan Finesare doing good. Theyre going to contribute for sure this year.

* Whats the next step for Thomas?

To be an All-Conference player. To be an All-American type of player. Hes got the talent. Hes got the ability. He needs to be a leader, he has shown great leadership quality all throughout (fall drills), all throughout the summer. Kuligowski said Thomas was more of a shy mouse, back-of-the-line type of guy when Richts staff arrived last spring, but is now leading out front, giving great effort, being a dominant player.

* Though he put together an impressive freshman year (team-high 8.5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss), Joe Jackson was challenged by Kuligowski andManny Diazto improve against the run. Hes showing them he has.

Joe Jackson is a much better player at this time than he was last year at the end of the season, he said. You talk about getting better every day, and that kid has really focused on his weaknesses and gotten better at it. He wants to be the best player on our team, wants to be the best player in the country and hes working himself toward it.

CANES CAMP 2017

Day 11 Richt still weighing QB options for scrimmage Progress report on Miamis top-tier D-line Practice notes: Scrimmage prep on Greentree

Day 10[no practice] Miamis new green, black alt jerseys are out

Day 9 Is Garvin UMs 2017 Joe Jackson? Perry working on poise; Brown talks offense Practice notes: LB Perry injured Video: Porters recap

Day 8 Secondary has primary concern: turnoversVideo: Meet Dee Delaney Practice notes: Cager returning punts? Porters video recap, live chat

Day 7 Porters video recap Linder transferring; Njoku, Pinckney, Irvin updates Practice notes: Njoku (knee) out

Day 6 [no practice] Walton weighs in on QBs, RBs, coaches

Day 5 Video, story: Richt updates QB race Notes: Richards, Pinckney, Irvin, penalties, U Network Porters video recap, live chat at Lake Osceola

Day 4 Video: Dugans excited by freshmen Porters video recap, live chat Richt unsure about QBs being hit Richards, Pinckney, Irvin injury updates Practice notes: AAs, QBs and TEs (and photos)

Day 3QBs still need to face the heatYoung Homer, Thomas turning headsPractice notes: Newcomers in the return gameMiami ranked 18th in the coaches poll

Day 2 Porters video recap, live chat Diaz goes in-depth on 2017 defense Video: Miami D has reason to be confidentPractice notes and thoughts

Day 1 Perry a passer, not just a thrower Injury updates: Burns could miss opener Video: Perry runs through first drills Porters video recap, live chat Day 1 practice notes: Perry batting third Photos, videos: Practice footage, field under construction 10 big storylines, how to follow camp

In-depth position previews QB|RB|WR|TE|OL DL|LB| DB|ST

Other fun stuff CanesFest set for Aug. 12 Analyzing the 2017 schedule The Guide to Watching Miami Football A visual history of Miami football stadiums UM jersey numbers have meaning The Glossary of Canes player nicknames Thomas produces music for DJ Khaled Fun facts from the 2017 media guide Projecting Miamis 2018 draft class Miamis over-under: 9 wins UM picked to win the Coastal Porters preseason All-ACC ballot, predictions

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Miami Hurricanes practice notes: Scrimmage prep on Greentree, Day11

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Progress report on Miami Hurricanes defensive line, which could be one of the nation's best - Palm Beach Post (blog)