Miami Hurricanes Have Added Important Depth At Linebacker With Transer KJ Cloyd
Yes, superstar players are the ones who get the glory and push championship teams over the top. However, the title-winning teams of the recent past like Georgia, Alabama and Clemson all had something else in common: DEPTH.
On Sunday, Miami added a pledge from graduate transfer linebacker KJ Cloyd. He left Louisville to spend his final collegiate season at The U.
On paper, Cloyd is unlikely to take a starting job from Francisco Mauigoa or Wesley Bissainthe (he will get a chance to compete, of course.) He spent his time with the Cardinals as a key backup and will likely play a similar role with the Hurricanes. Cloyd is a solid run-stopper and he's physically mature at 6-2, 229 lbs.
Adding the leadership and experience that a graduate transfer can bring is never a bad thing. I've been told Cloyd is a player with high level character.
I appreciate the fact that Cloyd played the past three seasons under Derek Nicholson, who just left Louisville to become linebackers coach at Miami. Cloyd's familiarity with his position coach should make his transition a smooth one.
He raises the floor of Miami's linebacker room. In fall camp we'll find out whether or not he can raise the ceiling, too.
Miami was thin at linebacker right after the 2022 season. Now, things are trending way up. And as noted by Frank Tucker from Miami's Rivals site, the linebacker room is getting BIGGER. Mario Cristobal and Coach Nicholson are recruiting size.
Bobby Washington, Malik Bryant, Raul Aguirre and Marcellius Pulliam are all true freshmen, but each one is talented enough to fight for playing time in the rotation. Mauigoa, as mentioned above, is in line to start at Mike linebacker.
The Hurricanes also have depth from returning linebackers Corey Flagg, Keontra Smith and Chase Smith.
The cornerback room has underwent a revolution as well with the additions of transfers Demetrius Freeney, Jaden Davis, Jadais Richard and Davonte Brown, and true freshmen Robert Stafford and Damari Brown.
Improving depth can be a huge factor in helping the Canes improve from their disappointing 5-7 record last year. If injuries strike, you have better understudies. More competition in practice will make your starters better. Cristobal is building things the right way.
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