All Hurricanes

Injuries Postpones Rueben Bain's Breakout Season

A promising freshman campaign was followed by an injury-ridden season that slowed down one of the best defenders in the ACC.
Justice Sandle|
Oct 5, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) sacks California Golden Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (right) during the fourth quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) sacks California Golden Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (right) during the fourth quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

In this story:

Miami (FL) Hurricanes

CORAL GABLES, Fl - Yes, the Miami Hurricanes defense was awful this year and most of that attention gets put on the secondary. However, there was not a lot of talk about the revamped defensive line which was supposed to be better than what it was the previous year before.

One of the key players scheduled to have their breakout season was Rueben Bain Jr. but four snaps into the season, he injured his calf and halted his chance to become one of the best defensive edge rushers in the country.

During his freshman year, Bain racked up many accolades during his impactful freshman season earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, being selected to All-ACC Third Team, being selected to every Freshman All-America Team, including The Athletic, 247Sports, ESPN, and others, finishing with 44 tackles,12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.

It was a sophomore slump for the defensive lineman. He finished the season with 14 tackles and only 3.5 sacks in 8 games played. He was slower and less explosive than the previous year almost like he was rushed back because of the questionable secondary.

Now with his junior and likely final season approaching, the goal should be to get a defensive coordinator who can fully unlock the talented player. He has game-breaking ability, he just needs a voice in his ear to get it out of him.

READ MORE FROM MIAMI HURRICANES ON SI:

The Hurricanes Squander The Final Game of the Season Away, Failing to Crush Iowa State

The Cam Ward Era is Over for Miami, but will Never be Forgotten

Ward and George Opt Out at Halftime, Quit on Their Team

Follow all social media platforms to stay up to date with everything Miami Hurricanes-related: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and BlueSky.

Published
Justice Sandle
JUSTICE SANDLE

Justice Sandle is a graduate of Mississippi State University earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Communications with a concentration in Print and Digital Journalism. During his time in Starkville, he spent a year as an intern working for Mississippi State On SI primarily covering basketball, football, baseball, and soccer while writing, recording, and creating multimedia stories during his tenor. Since graduating, he has assumed the role of lead staff writer for Miami Hurricanes On SI covering football, basketball, baseball, and all things Hurricanes related.

Home/Football