Josh Uche came home to help lead a Miami Dolphins pass-rush room that needs veteran guidance.

But he returned with something to prove, too.

The Miami native is entering a season that head coach Jeff Hafley described as a “prove-it” year, trying to recapture the production that once made him a double-digit sack threat while also helping guide a position group light on experience.

“He’s a guy that has tasted success in this league,” Hafley said. “I think he’s probably humbled and motivated by last year. It’s a chance for him to say, ‘I can still do this.’”

Uche offered an early glimpse of that potential during Thursday’s training camp practice, bursting into the backfield to stop running back Jaylen Wright during an 11-on-11 team period.

The Miami Columbus product has totaled 109 tackles, 21.5 sacks and two forced fumbles during his NFL career. His most productive season came with the New England Patriots in 2022, when he recorded 11.5 sacks, 27 tackles and two forced fumbles.

He hasn’t reached those numbers again, but the underlying analytics suggest he can still get after the quarterback.

Uche finished last season as Pro Football Focus’ 13th-highest-graded pass rusher, ranking ahead of Pro Bowlers T.J. Watt and Jared Verse.

However, those wins translated into just one sack, two tackles-for-loss and 23 tackles across 12 games.

For the seventh-year veteran, the next step is turning those wins into sacks with a more forceful approach.

“More violence. In both my attack and approach,” Uche said. “Doing everything in my power to be efficient and get to the quarterback.”

Hafley said Uche’s preparation and maturity have already stood out since he joined the Dolphins.

“I’ve noticed how hard he’s been working. He’s a very mature person. He’s very smart,” Hafley said. “We need to get everything out of him as coaches. I’m excited to see what he can do.”

Leadership role

Miami could benefit from the 27-year-old providing a bit more than just a strong pass-rush, however.

The Dolphins entered camp with a young and relatively inexperienced group of edge rushers, placing the Michigan product in the unusual position of being asked to help lead others while still fighting to reestablish himself.

He said his own experiences throughout the league have prepared him to help younger teammates navigate the mental side of the game.

“Obviously there’s a role to be filled with coaching up the guys,” Uche said. “Just some of the mental stuff and things that I’ve been through, and just taking those things and then passing it down as you go to become a good teammate.”

That makes the Palmetto Bay native’s homecoming about more than familiarity.

Miami is asking him to serve as both a mentor and a solution, providing leadership to an unproven room while showing that the pass rusher who once recorded 11.5 sacks is still there.

For Uche, camp represents the beginning of that opportunity.

“I’m excited,” Uche said. “I’m going to take this opportunity and maximize on it.”