Miami LB Corey Flagg: “I feel like my game has been taken to another level"

When the Miami Hurricanes plucked Caleb Johnson out of the transfer portal to be the team’s starting MLB, many thought that would relegate returning MLB Corey Flagg, Jr. to the bench. Well, not so fast. Flagg has worked in tandem with Johnson in the middle, and it’s not clear yet who will start.

And Flagg also has worked at OLB and has become a leader in the linebacker room.

So yes, get used to seeing Flagg on the field in different situations this season.

“Still competition, going hard every day – no starters, no ones, just competing,” Flagg said.

Last year, as a second-year freshman, Flagg started all 12 games and had a team-high 60 tackles (35 solo). That included seven tackles for loss, including three sacks and an interception.

“The middle linebacker spot is a unique position, you have to be different,” Flagg said. “You have to have a different mindset, come in and work every single day. I’m an upperclassman now, I know I can’t slack. I’ve been trying to lead since my freshman year, now I’m in that role. Happy to be here.”

A big focus for Flagg and this D: Better tackling, with UM ranking as one of the nation’s worst in that department a year ago.

“I just feel like I improved as a person, a man, got closer with God,” Flagg says. “And on the field things just shifted for me. I worked hard in the offseason. Coach (Mario) Cristobal did a phenomenal job with us, that helped out a lot, the coaching staff. … It was real easy to just get better and develop.

“It’s extra juice to see a different color jersey across your face, to be able to play someone else”

Corey Flagg

“I feel like my game has been taken to another level as far as my thought process.”

Flagg says working with longtime coach Charlie Strong has improved “my knowledge of the game.

“Those guys know their stuff, have coached at all levels, the level I want to be at, the NFL,” Flagg said. “He tells me how to use my hands, how to be a better player, how to use my eyes. Little stuff you pick up.”

Flagg says he’s “very confident” this Canes defense will come through this year.

“We’re more together, have more player-led meetings,” he said. “We have great leadership at all positions. There were a lot of missed tackles last year – we weren’t together, man. You’re going to see a whole different defense this year, and I’m excited.”

Now it’s on to Game 1 for Miami on Saturday.

“It’s extra juice to see a different color jersey across your face, to be able to play someone else,” Flagg said.

*Asked who he enjoys playing with/who has improved most, Flagg said, “(Waynmon) Steed, he’s versatile, he’s quick. He’s been playing for a while, knows a lot. K4 (Keontra Smith) knows a lot, he’s versatile too. And we added Caleb to the roster, too, and Caleb has been good competition to me. We always go back and forth in friendly competition, compete every day.”

*Flagg says he recently sat down and watched film with freshman LB Wesley Bissainthe. His advice to the youngster? “Just tell him to relax and calm down,” Flagg said. “He’s been playing football all his life, so it’s the same thing. Same game, just more people. … Wesley is ready to play, came in ready to learn. He’s always locked in, all ears.”