Miami football will need several defensive back transfers
After losing five defensive backs to the transfer portal expect the Miami football program to add several transfers via the portal to the 2023 roster. Miami has lost Al Blades Jr., Gilbert Frierson, Jalen Harrell, Keshawn Washington and Avantae Williams into the transfer portal. Miami has three DBs committed for 2023.
Cornerbacks Cormani McClain and Robert Stafford and DB Antione Jackson are 2023 Miami commits. Blads and Williams are the only two of the five Miami DBs who entered the transfer portal to receive a significant amount of playing time in 2022. Miami will need to replace the five DBs with experience.
The Hurricanes will be set at safety with the returns of Kamren Kinchens and James Williams. Tyrique Stevenson who played the star position for Miami in 2022 said he is about 50/50 returning for 2023. Miami also loses D.J. Ivey who was the third highest-rated Miami DB behind Kinchens and Stevenson in 2022.
Miami will have a plethora of DB options available in the transfer portal. Players cannot officially enter the transfer portal until Monday. College football programs nationally can contract transfers once the NCAA makes their entry into the portal official. Expect Mario Cristobal and his staff to be busy contacting transfers.
After finishing 5-7 this season, Miami might have an advantage not having to prepare for a bowl game. The Miami football staff can concentrate on the players in the transfer portal and finish strong with the Early National Signing Period occurring December 21-23. Expect some surprises from Miami in the next three weeks.
Cristobal closed strong with the 2022 class despite not having a full staff. Miami might make some changes to its staff for 2023, but the Hurricanes’ assistant coaches are all making recruiting stops this weekend. Cristobal is known for being one of the best closers as a recruiter in college football.
Another wave of transfers is expected to occur following the conclusion of spring football in March and April. Miami added several transfers this past April. The addition of transfers and the 2023 signing class could add as many as 40 new players to the Miami football roster for next season.
