a bright spot in what was otherwise a disappointing season for the defense
The talk of the town for the 2024 Miami Hurricanes was the No. 1 ranked offense, led by SOTU MVP and Offensive Player of the Year Cam Ward. Miami’s defense was the polar opposite, constantly letting the offense down and forcing Ward to play superhero gun slinger.
Despite an objectively putrid performance on defense, a few Hurricanes defenders managed to turn in a solid 2024 season. S Meesh Powell, DT Akheem Mesidor, and LB Kiko Mauigoa were each in consideration for SOTU’s Defensive MVP, but the SOTU staff ultimately selected DT Simeon Barrow Jr. as the 2024 Miami Hurricanes Defensive Player of the Year.
Barrow Jr. was a late transfer from Michigan State. With only one year of eligibility remaining, the fifth year senior entered the portal just days before the Spartans’ spring game (which should be a reminder to ‘Canes fans that this year’s portal season is not over, should any elite WR’s wish to rethink their affiliation now that Carson Beck is in Coral Gables).
BREAKING: Former Michigan State Standout DL Simeon Barrow Jr. has Committed to Miami, he tells @on3sports
The 6’3 290 DL totaled 110 Tackles, 10.5 Sacks, & 2 FF in his 3 years at Michigan State
Was the Top Available DL in the Portal (per On3 Industry) https://t.co/pPlEbwoP83 pic.twitter.com/NBwM3IAoL8
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 3, 2024
Barrow Jr. wasn’t as heralded of a transfer as Cam Ward, Damian Martinez, or Meesh Powell – but he wasn’t a nobody either. In 2023, Barrow Jr. earned All Big Ten honorable mention for the Spartans, finishing with 5.5 tackles for loss including 3.5 sacks despite the chaos created by Mel Tucker’s midseason dismissal.
Although he joined Miami after spring practice, the fifth-year senior arrived to Coral Gables and earned an opening day start at the Florida Gators. By Week 3, Barrow Jr. had hit his stride, and he notched his first sack of the season in the opening minutes against Ball State.
Simeon Barrow Jr. SACK pic.twitter.com/f6JJNykXw8
— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) September 14, 2024
The seal was broken, and Barrow Jr. would record a sack in five out of six games helping Miami to stretch its record to 8-0. Barrow Jr. was particularly clutch in the Cal and Louisville games. Against Cal, Barrow Jr. sparked the defense’s second half resurgence by repeatedly asserting himself over the Golden Bear’s line.
Simeon Barrow was on one Saturday night Insane jump off the ball and absolutely bullying this double team pic.twitter.com/yLybtq11uq
— Jesus Shuttelsworth (@PlutoCane_23) October 8, 2024
The Louisville game was Barrow Jr.’s best statistical game – he finished with 6 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 1.0 sacks, and one very, very important forced fumble.
SCOOP N’ SCORE !
DL Simeon Barrow Jr et DE Rueben Bain Jr provoquent le fumble de RB Isaac Brown et LB Raul Aguirre Jr récupère le ballon dans la end zone des Cardinals pour le TD !
The U reprend 10 points d’avance.
Louisville 14, Miami 24
@ABC pic.twitter.com/7ULsfqyR42
— TBP College Football (@thebluepennant) October 19, 2024
Unfortunately, Barrow Jr.’s season would be disrupted in the opening minutes of the Georgia Tech game when he left with a knee injury. He would miss the remainder of the Georgia Tech game and was limited against Wake Forest and Syracuse, failing to record a tackle against either.
Despite trailing off in the final three games, Barrow Jr. was the only Miami defender to be selected to the 2024 First-Team All-ACC. A well-deserved honor and a rare bright spot for the Hurricanes defense. Although Barrow Jr. was snubbed from the NFL combine, he is projected to be a day three draft selection in April.
Congrats to Simeon Barrow Jr. on a strong senior season and earning himself the SOTU Defensive Player of the Year honors. Hurricanes fans look forward to rooting for you on Sundays next year!