Tyrique Stevenson One Of The Most Valuable For Miami

On Wednesday, Tyrique Stevenson gave his opinion on who thinks the best cornerback in the country is:

“I feel like I’m the best corner in the nation,” said Stevenson at Wednesday’s zoom press conference. “Confidence level is at a thousand and it’s going to always stay there. Things I worked on is being more mentally sharp for the younger guys under me.”

The fourth-year junior has every right to be confident going into his second year as a Miami Hurricane. Stevenson is the 10th ranked corner according to Pro Football Focus, best in the ACC. In 2021, the Florida City native accumulated 43 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a half sack, an interception, and four pass break-ups.

He will be one of the leaders of a defense that allowed 31 points per game last season (92nd in the country). Stevenson and the new coaching staff are looking drastically improve in that area in 2022.

The Georgia transfer was a honorable mention All-ACC selection in 2021. He only allowed 9.1 yards per reception, good for second among power-five cornerbacks. At 6’0″ 214 pounds, Stevenson is a willing tackler but can improve on his ball skills in the passing game.

Stevenson will also be valuable in the return game. Head Coach Mario Cristobal mentioned that Stevenson, Xavier Restrepo, and Malik Curtis have excelled in this area in fall camp.

Stevenson suffered a torn labrum toward the end of the season and missed the last two games of the season. The former five-star talent out of Miami Southridge is projected to go high in the NFL draft as he is seen as the fourth-best cornerback on some scouts’ draft boards. He has the ability to play safety, cornerback, or at the star position and will be one of Miami’s most valuable players going into the 2022 season. Stevenson feels mentally ready to be a leader for the football team.

“I’m locked in more mentally,” Stevenson said. “All off-season with the injury I had a chance to take care of my body and put my body in the right spot, the right type of body type I need for this season. I just locked in more mentally and I’m more focused. I’m trying to fill into that leader role more so I can lead this team and lead this defense and also have them lead me.”