Miami Transfer Portal Check In: What Voids Have Been Filled And Where Are There Still Holes?
Landing Cam Ward was a splash acquisition for Mario Cristobal, but there still remains some areas on this roster that'll need additions before the Canes take on the Florida Gators to start the season.
As of today, 14 Miami Hurricane players have departed the transfer portal while Miami has added only nine players through the portal. Even with the additions they made in the 2024 recruiting class, there are still some areas that need to be addressed before the season gets underway. Additionally, there are also some position groups that are well-rounded and strengths of the roster.
Let's take a look at both to see where Miami is set and where they still have some work to do:
Strength: Quarterback
In case you've been living under a rock, Miami has made some significant changes to their quarterback room that was previously led by Tyler Van Dyke (now with Wisconsin). While Ward is positioned to be the starter, there's still some serious talent behind him. Miami returns Jacurri Brown and Emory Williams who will be competing with Albany transfer Reese Poffenbarger for the backup role. Freshman Judd Anderson also joins this room, but will more than likely redshirt. If Miami retains the commitment from 2025 QB Luke Nickel, the Hurricanes will have plenty of options going forward.
Weakness: Wide Receiver
Even though Miami returns their duo of Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George who combined for 1,956 receiving yards, the rest of the room is full of inexperienced or unproven talent. Colbie Young's departure to Georgia opens up the X-receiver position, and Isaiah Horton might not be the option quite yet. Young and Brashard Smith's departures opens up 69 receptions, but the addition of Ward could lead to a heavier pass attack. Joshisa Trader and Ny Carr both could be instant impacts, but don't have physical profile that Young brought.
In terms of options available in the portal currently, Wisconsin transfer Keontez Lewis is one of the only players that fits the mold. With that being said, don't be surprised if Miami waits till the Spring window to add talent at the receiver position.
Strength: Running Back
An already pre-existing strength from last season, this current running back room just gets another year of development as well as a freshman who might see the field this upcoming season. However this room has two definitive leaders with Henry Parrish Jr. and Mark Fletcher Jr., who as a duo combined for 1,139 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Their combined stats would've had them as a Top 30 rusher this past season. Even with the exit of Donald Chaney Jr., Miami has other options in Ajay Allen, Chris Johnson Jr., TreVonte' Citizen, and incoming freshman Jordan Lyle. Even if one of the main backs misses time, there's plenty of talent in this room to fill the void.
Weakness: Cornerback
Cornerback has been a question mark for the Hurricanes in recent history, even with players like Tyrique Stevenson coming through the program. Looking at next season's cornerback room, Daryl Porter Jr. and Damari Brown appear to be options going forward. While both did have solid seasons, the absence of elite safety play behind them makes their jobs tougher. Robert Stafford is a player that will have eyes on him in the Spring to potentially break into this room, but there's no doubt that talent needs to be added into this room.
A look at portal shows only one experienced player in Tacario Davis, but there doesn't seem to be any talk in the way of Miami. Just like the Spring window last year, don't be surprised to see Miami make a move on some cornerbacks to add depth and competition.
Strength: Defensive Line
While Miami did lose a key starter in Leonard Taylor, they combatted it by adding the nation's best defensive line class for 2024 with Armondo Blount, Justin Scott and Marquise Lightfoot to name a few. Add Elijah Alston, C.J. Clark and Marley Cook through the portal for some veteran additions and the talent is through the roof. Akheem Mesidor, Rueben Bain, Nyjalik Kelly and Jayden Wayne return as well as Mesidor and Kelly look to bounce back from injuries. If the interior defensive line can eat up those blocks to free up their pass rush, this unit has the potential to play at the level the Hurricanes did in 2019 when they had 47 sacks.
Weakness: Tight End
One of the more confusing positions last season for Miami, many were expecting the breakout of Elijah Arroyo, as he ended up battling injuries all season long. Cam McCormick returns for his ninth collegiate season, but his role consists mainly of blocking than being a receiving threat. Riley Williams flashed some potential and Elijah Lofton now joins the mix from the Class of 2024. Miami could very well avoid addressing this position depending on what they do with the wide receiver room, as Shannon Dawson has never really emphasized his tight ends much in his offenses.
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