Transfer DL Branson Deen Acclimating to Miami
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After five years in the cold, snowy, West Lafayette weather, Branson Deen made the move from the Purdue Boilermakers to the Miami Hurricanes. Deen said the move has been great from many different facets.
"I love it so far, the weather, the people, the scenery," Deen said. "Everything is 100% better than Indiana."
Deen has a unique opportunity that he didn't have at Purdue: to be coached by an NFL Hall of Famer. Deen is working with Miami Dolphins legend and newly-hired defensive ends coach, Jason Taylor.
Taylor worked with the Hurricanes as an analyst last season, but after Rod Wright departed for the NFL, Miami coach Mario Cristobal deemed Taylor the right fit for the job. Deen said he's enjoyed the approach Taylor takes with him.
"You can go to him with any questions," Deen said. "Nine times out of 10 he's got the answer. If he doesn't, he'll find it. He brings a lot of energy. He has us well-trained, it's really amazing, I can't wait to keep learning from him."
Now that Deen has stepped onto the field for the first time in a Miami practice uniform, he has gotten to go head-up with the offensive line group, a semi-new offensive line. Deen said he's been impressed by his teammates on the offensive line.
"Javion (Cohen), Matt (Lee), really, the whole group," Deen said. "Coop (Anez Cooper), has really good feet, a really good athlete for a big guy. Matt, super quick, and smart. Javion, got a little bit of everything, power, size, and quickness... It's good on good."
Deen is one of the older defensive linemen in the room. He joins an experienced, but young group of defensive linemen. Deen said he's watched some film of his teammates and is impressed with some of the younger individuals on the defensive line.
"I watched a lot of LT's (Leonard Taylor) film, since I've been here and before I got here," Deen said. "I'm super excited to pair up with him. Nyjalik (Kelly), he's really impressive, young guy. You could say he's got a long way to go but not really because he's really good."
After getting out on the field with his new teammates and grinding during the winter, Deen is confident in the group Miami could field in September.
"I think we got a good group," Deen said. "A mix of vets and young guys that are really coming along nicely for us."
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