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Georgia Tech Football: Miami Cornerback Transfer Robert Stafford Set To Visit the Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech will get a visit from a former four-star cornerback this weekend

Jackson Caudell

Nov 21, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets helmet is seen on the sideline in the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Nov 21, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets helmet is seen on the sideline in the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The transfer portal is open for business and like a lot of teams around the country, Georgia Tech is active in trying to fill areas of need for their roster in thinking ahead to 2025. It is going to be a busy few weeks for the Yellow Jackets between getting ready for their bowl game vs Vanderbilt on the 27th and navigating the portal before it closes on Dec. 28th.

One of the players who is going to be visiting Georgia Tech this weekend is cornerback Robert Stafford, who is transferring from Miami. Stafford announced on social media that he is going to be taking a visit to The Flats this weekend.

As of right now, Georgia Tech is set to lose Warren Burrell in the cornerback room, but that is it. Stafford could come in and compete with the other players on the roster and possibly be a starter.

Today, Georgia Tech has a big pair of visits happening. Florida Atlantic safety CJ Heard is on campus, as is Stony Brook defensive lineman Rushawn Lawrence.

So far, Georgia Tech has had the following players enter the transfer portal:

  • QB Zach Pyron (committed to Minnesota)
  • WR's Eric Singleton Jr and Leo Blackburn
  • OL Corey Robinson II and Jordan Brown
  • DL Horace Lockett and Uche Iloh
  • DB Taye Seymore

Stafford (5'11 175 LBS) is a former four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class and played his high school football at Eau Gallie High School in Melbourne, FL. Stafford was ranked as the No. 156 prospect in the country according to the 247Sports Composite, No. 17 cornerback, and No. 35 player in the state of Florida. He redshirted in 2023 and this past season he only played 31 total snaps according to Pro Football Focus. He finished with a 70.2 defensive grade, but that is a low snap count to try and judge.

Here is a scouting report from 247Sports director of scouting on Stafford from when he was a prospect coming out of high school:

"An explosive multi-sport athlete that has just started to make the transition from wide receiver to defensive back. Not much meat on the bones, but makes up for it with his fast-twitch muscle fibers and insane ups. Tested off the charts spring before senior season posting the fastest 40-yard dash at an invite-only camp loaded with talented skill players. Also had the best vertical jump out of anyone that day. Aggressive in coverage and not one to shy away from a challenge. Ability to go up in the air and make a play at the catch point separates him from most other defenders his size. Rather fluid in his backpedal and has shown that he can mirror with his hips while gaining some depth. Appears to be pretty comfortable in off-man situations, which makes sense given his burst and ability to close gaps. However, will need to bulk up some if he’s going to jam larger wideouts at the line of scrimmage on Saturdays. Viewed by most college recruiters as a corner at the next level because of how easily he changes directions. Could also get a look as a single-high safety given his range, although he would need to embrace the role of mashing ball carriers in the open field. Skillset and athletic profile suggest that he should be viewed as one of the top cornerback prospects in the Sunshine State for the 2023 cycle. Will need some seasoning, but has NFL upside."

Three-sport athlete (basketball, track)

2021: Two-way player that didn't get snaps on defense until spring before junior season. While working at WR, caught 42 passes for 605 yards and 5 TD. On defense, lined up primarily at CB where he was credited with 17 tackles, 5 PBU and an INT in 9 games per MaxPreps.

2020: Played primarily WR for a Melbourne Eau Gallie team that made Sunshine State's 6A state playoffs. Caught 12 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns.

Additional Links

Bleav Georgia Tech: Evaluating Georgia Tech's Roster as the Transfer Portal Opens and Looking At Potential Needs

Georgia Tech Football: Former Yellow Jackets QB Zach Pyron Commits to Minnesota

Georgia Tech Football: CBS Sports Ranks Yellow Jackets Bowl Matchup Against Vanderbilt As One Of The Ten Best

Published
Jackson Caudell
JACKSON CAUDELL

Jackson Caudell has been covering Georgia Tech Athletics For On SI since March 2022 and the Atlanta Hawks for On SI since October 2023. Jackson is also the co-host of the Bleav in Georgia Tech podcast and he loves to bring thoughtful analysis and comprehensive coverage to everything that he does. Find him on X @jacksoncaudell

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