The Miami Hurricanes come into the 2024 season with a secondary that lost key pieces to the draft last year. Despite this the Canes are bringing back some experienced players and have added quality portal players that are familiar with Canes cornerback’s coach Chevis Jackson’s teaching style. The Canes have also had a pleasant surprise from Romanas “OJ “ Frederique a true freshman corner that has garnered effusive praise at camp. What does Miami’s cornerback room look like?
CB- Daryl Porter Jr.
Daryl Porter Jr. is one of the most reliable and experienced corners on the roster. After transferring from West Virginia, Porter has developed into a key player in Miami’s secondary. Known for his exceptional coverage skills, Porter consistently stays in the hip pocket of receivers, making him a dependable presence on the field. Porter was lockdown for the Canes last year allowing only nine yards in 104 snaps of man coverage played. Not only is he a blanket for the Canes secondary but he also is an elite tackler. Porter Jr. missed just one tackle all year including the bowl game and allowed zero touchdown passes. As a senior, Porter is expected to be the leader in the cornerback room and one of the best cover corners in the ACC. His ability to tackle and cover effectively makes him a cornerstone of Miami’s defense.
CB- Dyoni Hill
Dyoni Hill, a Gainesville, FL native, made a significant impact during the 2023 season, recording 55 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and one interception. Standing at 6 feet tall, Hill brings a combination of size, skill, and experience to Miami’s secondary.
Hill’s addition to the Hurricanes’ roster reunites him with cornerbacks coach Chevis Jackson and defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, both of whom he thrived under in previous systems. His presence in the lineup provides Miami with valuable flexibility, allowing the coaching staff to consider moving Te’Cory Couch, who primarily played nickel at Washington, to a starting safety role alongside either Jaden Harris or Richard. With Daryl Porter Jr. and Damari Brown projected as Miami’s starting outside corners, Hill’s versatility strengthens what looks to be a reshuffled and potent secondary.
Hill excels in using his physicality to disrupt opposing receivers. He effectively utilizes a one- or two-hand jam technique to keep his man in front of him, stifling routes and disrupting the rhythm and timing of the release. His ability to intercede the stem of a route while simultaneously reshuffling his feet to break on the ball makes him a formidable presence in coverage. Additionally, Hill is adept at playing with outside leverage, further enhancing his ability to shut down opposing receivers and contribute to Miami’s defensive efforts. Expect him to be a starter for Miami.
CB- Damari Brown
A product of American Heritage High School, Brown was a highly regarded recruit in which Mario beat Saban for who brings a mix of physicality, size, and football IQ to the secondary. Standing at around 6’1” and weighing approximately 200 pounds, Brown has the ideal frame for a cornerback, which allows him to match up well against bigger receivers.
One of the most notable aspects of Brown’s game is his physicality. He is not afraid to get his hands on receivers and is known for being a tough, aggressive defender. Despite being relatively young, he has shown the ability to make impactful plays, particularly in run support, where his tackling ability stands out. His performance in the limited time he had last season, including some big hits and solid coverage moments, has generated excitement about his potential. Brown did a good job against FSU last year holding his own against Keon Coleman as a true freshman. Brown needs to be more consistent in man coverage but with Chevis Jackson at the helm who is a technique expert, expect Damari Brown to make a big sophomore jump and land one a starting spot for the Canes.
One thing that can be said about Miami’s cornerback room is that, from top to bottom, it is a very young group. The Canes have only three upperclassmen: Daryl Porter Jr. (Senior) and a pair of juniors, Jadais Richard and Dyoni Hill. The team has young talent waiting in the wings that will need to step up. Damari Brown needs to take a big step forward this year.Robert Stafford, one of the most talented defensive backs in his class, needs to start producing on the field. OJ Frederique is making big waves and might earn himself significant playing time, potentially even a starting role this year, despite his age.For Miami, the corners will have to mature quickly and hope that there aren’t any major injuries to the upperclassmen. This is one of the positions with the least depth on the team, something Cristobal is already addressing with the 2025 recruiting class.
CB-Jadais Richard
Jadais Richard, a transfer from Vanderbilt, is one of the most physically gifted corners on the roster. Standing at 6’1” and weighing around 200 pounds, Richard has the size and speed to match up with any receiver. His length and athleticism make him a valuable asset in coverage, particularly against taller receivers. Richard also has experience playing safety, adding to his versatility. This season, he will be counted on to play significant snaps and could emerge as a standout corner with his blend of size and athleticism. Improving his tackling and consistency will be key to realizing his full potential.
CB-Ryan Mack
Ryan Mack, another standout from St. Thomas Aquinas, is known for his excellent footwork and football IQ. While he may be slightly behind some of the more physically gifted corners, Mack’s technique and understanding of the game set him apart. He is a technically sound corner with good speed and recognition skills, excelling in zone coverage and tackling. Mack may need time to develop as he is only a true freshman, but he has the potential to become a reliable contributor in the secondary. This season, he is expected to contribute on special teams and could see increased playing time as the season progresses.
CB- Robert Stafford
Robert Stafford was a highly touted recruit and one of the most athletic corners on the team. Stafford possesses elite speed who showed the ability to make plays on both sides of the ball in high school. His speed and athleticism allow him to cover a wide range of receivers, and his background as a wide receiver gives him excellent ball skills, making him a threat to create turnovers. Although Stafford is still developing as a cornerback, his athleticism is likely to earn him playing time early in the season. As he gains experience, he could emerge as a dynamic playmaker in Miami’s secondary.
CB- Romanas “OJ” Frederique
Romanas “OJ” Frederique is a freshman cornerback with tremendous upside. A product of St. Thomas Aquinas, Frederick has the size, speed, and ball skills to develop into a top corner. His length and athleticism make him a natural fit at the position, with the ability to cover various types of receivers. Frederique was one of the most impressive freshmen players at camp and was making plays all over the field in fall camp. Frederique was so impressive that he has been mentioned by name by teammates and coaches as difference makers alongside Elijah Lofton, Cam Pruitt, Jordan Lyle, and Cole McConathy as freshmen that made major waves and stood out when the pads came on. While he may not start immediately, Frederique is expected to push for playing time and could see significant snaps by the end of the season.
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