Javion Cohen: From Crimson Tide to Hurricane – A Bold Transfer that Sparks Excitement in Miami

In a shocking move, All-SEC offensive lineman Javion Cohen made a bold decision to transfer to the University of Miami this offseason from his former team, the Alabama Crimson Tide. Standing tall at 6-foot-4 and weighing 305-pounds, Cohen brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Miami Hurricanes’ offensive line.

Cohen’s journey in college football has been nothing short of impressive. During his time at Alabama, he started 24 games and played in 31 games overall. Now, as a fourth-year junior, he looks forward to making a significant impact on Miami’s offensive lineup.

In a recent interview with LifeWallet Sports, Cohen candidly discussed his decision to transfer to Miami and the factors that influenced his choice. When asked why he chose Miami, Cohen confidently replied, “Like I say all the time, why not? The coaches here are definitely offensive line coaches. Coach Cristobal, and Coach Mirabal.” Cohen’s admiration for the coaching staff was evident as he continued, “When I came down on my visit, I got around a couple of the guys and just talked ball with them, talked life about the different things down here. And I mean, all that really just sold me on why I should have come down here and then just made the transition easy. They care about me, care about my family, care about my future and everything. These relationships go further beyond college, so it was important to me.”

Cohen was once on the opposing sideline when he played against the Miami Hurricanes on September 4th, 2021, but as a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide, now being on Miami’s roster, the thought has crossed Cohen’s mind a couple of times. He shared, “We talked about it a couple of times in the locker room as well, just speaking about the different guys I’m playing with now, and who I played against then. A little trash-talking here and there but I mean it’s all innocent, you know what I mean.”

Cohen also highlighted the impact of Coach Mario Cristobal, who himself was a former offensive lineman at Miami. Reflecting on Cristobal’s coaching experience, Cohen said, “All of us already know the things he had done at Oregon and the things he had done at Alabama with the offensive linemen and the ones he’s put in the league. You take that into factor, you respect that a lot.”

As a newcomer to Miami, Cohen identified the biggest adjustment as the bustling traffic compared to the quiet college town atmosphere of Tuscaloosa. He said, “Oh, the traffic. That’s probably the biggest adjustment. Like I mean it’s a ghost town in Tuscaloosa, it’s a straight college town, so probably the traffic, making sure you leave somewhere on time so you can get somewhere earlier on time.”

When asked about his food experiences in Miami, Cohen shared, “Ah, I’m not even a big food guy to be honest with you, but I have found a couple of spots down here. Couple burrito, tacos and I have never tried those before coming from Alabama… so I got some good spots that I’ve seen.”

The offseason workouts have been intense, but not for Cohen as he praised the team’s focus and camaraderie, stating, “Not brutal at all. It takes a lot of focus, a lot of team camaraderie listening to the leaders and just following them and going in the right direction. Obviously, it’s the hardest time, especially when it’s the hottest time. It ain’t been brutal, but it’s been a process, I think we handled it pretty well.”

Coach Mirabal’s fiery demeanor has left a positive impression on Cohen, who expressed admiration for the coach’s passion and dedication to football and his players. Cohen mentioned, “That exactly, his attitude and his passion towards football. That’s a guy who’s dedicated years and years of his life to putting his all into the athletes that he’s brought to the universities that he’s been at.”

With the season approaching, Cohen couldn’t contain his excitement for the offense under new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson. He expressed, “Oh, everything, I like everything about the offense. Most definitely Coach Dawson has a very advanced mind. He’s put numerous quarterbacks in the league and those that were at college with him had great stats then. So, I know he’s an offensive genius and with our quarterback this year I feel like there’s no limit to the offense we can have.”

As a newer face on the team, Cohen has also been impressed by the buzz surrounding a young talent like freshman offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa. Describing Mauigoa as a “monster,” Cohen praised the young player’s focus, determination, and potential to make a significant impact this season.

As Cohen prepares to don the Miami Hurricanes jersey and run through the smoke for the very first time, he shared his emotions, “I’m thinking about the history of the Miami Hurricanes, just trying to give my all to feel what everybody did before me, you know, and playing next to the brothers that I have formed with now, just giving them my all as well.”

To all the Miami Hurricanes fans, Cohen’s message is simple and bold: “Get ready!” With an exceptional player like Javion Cohen joining the team, the excitement is palpable, and expectations are soaring high for the upcoming season and year two of Mario Cristobal at the helm of the football program.

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