Miami football will need 2023 transfers to cover up 2023 deficiences

The Miami football team will likely need to add transfers in 2023 to make up for the lack of production from their cornerbacks and wide receivers. Robert Stafford is the only projected CB committed to Miami for 2023. Nathaniel Joseph and Robby Washington are the only projected WRs in the Class of 2023.

Joseph, Stafford and Washington are not expected to make impacts as freshmen. Joseph is the 125th ranked player, 19th ranked WR and 28th in Florida in the Class of 2023 per 247 Sports. Stafford is the 139th player, 10th athlete and 34th in Florida. Washington is 149th, 11th and 35th.

Joseph is diminutive at 5’8, 170. The scouting report from 247 Sports for Joseph is that he is a slot receiver who is a dangerous return man. With his small stature, Joseph will have to fill out before he becomes an impact player in college. Miami is deep in the slot with Xavier Restrepo and Brashard Smith expected on the 2022 roster.

D.J. Ivey is the only senior CB on the Miami roster. There could be more shuffling to the position based on transfers and the potential to enter the NFL Draft, particularly with Tyrique Stevenson. Stafford has the potential to contribute as a true freshman but seems more likely to be a backup than an impact player.

Stafford is 5’11, 171 pounds. Like Joseph, he will have to work with Miami strength and conditioning coach Aaron Feld to fill out. Per his 247 Sports scouting report, Stafford recently switched from wide receiver to DB. Stafford will likely be a project with the potential to make an impact later in his career.

The comparison for Washington from Andrew Ivins of 247 Sports is Texas A&M WR Ainias Smith. Smith had four receptions for 74 yards against Miami earlier this month. Washington has played running back and WR in high school but projects as a wideout in college. Washington has excellent speed and ability to win balls in the air.

Miami went to the transfer portal to add CB Darryl Porter Jr. and WR Frank Ladson to the 2022 roster. All of the WRs on the 2022 Miami roster are underclassmen and expected to return in 2023. Miami needs an alpha receiver like Charleston Rambo was in 2021. Expect an effort to sign a transfer CB and WR for 2023