Two key veterans announce they are returning to Miami in 2022

The Miami Hurricanes will have plenty of key players from 2021 returning to play in 2022.

Offensive tackle Zion Nelson and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson officially they announced they would return in 2022 while punter Lou Hedley once again confirmed he would be returning after announcing his intention to come back in December. 

Nelson has been Miami’s starter at left tackle for the last three years. He will enter the 2022 season as one of the top offensive tackles in the country.

According to Pro Football Focus, Nelson allowed only three sacks in 2021. He did not allow a sack during the final seven games of the season. Nelson earned a pass blocking grade of 85.9 overall for the season. As a run blocker, Nelson earned a 64.1 grade.

Nelson has played 2,391 offensive snaps during his college career. He made it clear that he is excited about playing for head coach Mario Cristobal, who helps coach the offensive line, and new offensive line coach Alex Mirabal.

“We have two new guys coming in in coach Mirabal and coach Cristobal and he really loves the offensive line,” Nelson said. “I think we are really going to do some good things this year.”

Stevenson was Miami’s top cornerback in 2021, totaling 43 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one interception.

According to PFF, Stevenson played 586 defensive snaps, which led the Hurricanes. He was targeted 49 times in coverage and allowed 25 receptions for 228 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Stevenson started his career at Georgia, playing two seasons there, and he transferred close to home to play at UM in 2021.

“I am very much excited to come back and be a part of the program that is moving in a new direction,” Stevenson said about returning to UM.

Hedley is one of the best punters in the country, averaging 44.7 yards per punt in 2021 after averaging 47.2 yards per punt in 2020.

The return of Hedley helps stabilize the special teams.

“I think the energy that coach Cristobal brings to the program and the heart with it, I think big things are about to happen in 2022,” Hedley said.

Cristobal will have plenty of talent to work with at UM during his first season in 2022.

The Hurricanes kickoff the 2022 season on Saturday, September 3rd against Bethune-Cookman at Hard Rock Stadium.