Miami Spring Football Position Previews: Safeties

Entering spring practice, Miami’s group of safeties project as one of the team’s best positions. This unit is led by junior Kamren Kinchens, who improved throughout the 2022 season and emerged as one of the top safeties in the country.

Kinchens totaled six interceptions last season, good for third in the country. He recorded three of those takeaways against Georgia Tech, which tied Miami’s single-game interception record. The South Florida native was recognized on the AP All-America First Team at the conclusion of the year.

Expectations are high for Kinchens, who is entering his third season. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the second-best returning safety in the country. UM safety James Williams also appears on the list at the No. 4 slot.

Williams was inconsistent last year. He started to find a rhythm toward the end of the season, as he finished with 19 tackles in UM’s final two games.

The 6-foot-5 junior has the physical talent to be a difference-maker for the Hurricanes, but he has to clean up both his tackling and coverage skills for this to happen. Williams’ ability to play both in the tackle box and deep in coverage makes him a versatile chess piece for new defensive coordinator Lance Guidry to work with.

With Kinchens and Williams likely to start at safety, a bunch of young talent will look to prove themselves as reliable backups as a result of key reserves Avantae Williams and Al Blades Jr. transferring elsewhere in the offseason.

Second-year safety Markeith Williams leads this young nucleus. Williams played sparingly last year but showed potential in the four games he appeared in. The 6-foot-2 defensive back is a hard-hitter who projects as an important special teams contributor in 2023.

Sophomore Brian Balom is expected to be another vital reserve at safety. The former Miramar (Fla.) High School standout played in 11 games last year. He initially entered the transfer portal after the 2022 season but later withdrew his name.

Freshman Kaleb Spencer is the only new addition to the unit. He is expected to play a linebacker-safety hybrid role on Miami’s defense. First-year cornerback Antione Jackson has the background and necessary tools to play safety if necessary.