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Miami Hurricanes that Could Be Leaving After the Season

By Alan Rubenstein

Nov 5, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) leaps over Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Terrish Webb (2) for a touchdown during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) leaps over Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Terrish Webb (2) for a touchdown during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Peter Ariz of Canes Insight is reporting several Miami Hurricanes with eligibility left could be transferring or declaring for the NFL Draft after the Hurricanes conclude their 2016 season against West Virginia in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

In his Team Chatter column, Ariz reports that Running Back Gus Edwards, and Defensive Lineman Courtel Jenkins could be seeking transfers after the season is over.  Tight End David Njoku is in Ariz’ words “100% gone to the NFL Draft and that Defensive Lineman Gerald Willis could join him. Ariz added about Njoku “He has given the team every indication that the bowl will be his final game as a Hurricane.”

Ariz also mentions in the post that a few suspensions of freshmen could be coming for the Russell Athletic Bowl against West Virginia, but that none are major contributors.

The transfer of Edwards seems to be that he wants to be closer to home and be a greater option than a backup. Edwards passed Joseph Yearby as Mark Walton’s primary backup later in the season. Edwards has one year of eligibility remaining. He used a medical reshirt in 2015 with a foot injury.

Rumors came out shortly after the Hurricanes game against Duke that Yearby was going to declare for the NFL Draft. Yearby was Walton’s primary backup through the season’s first nine games until Edwards passed him. Edwards had 22 carries in the first nine weeks of the season before doubling that total in the final three weeks.

Related Story: Miami Hurricanes Joe Yearby Intends to Enter NFL Draft

Edwards had 135 yards in wins over Virginia, North Carolina State and Duke. He had 136 yards for the entire season prior to that. He ran for 106 yards on seven carries in the season opener against Florida A&M. That included a 74-yard touchdown run.

Edwards is on track to graduate in May and would be eligible immediately as a graduate transfer. Per Ariz, Edwards is eyeing somewhere closer to his Staten Island, NY home. Rutgers and Syracuse seem to be the front runners.

Cortel Jenkins is another name that Ariz listed as a possible transfer. After appearing in 12 games last season, Jenkins played in only four this year. He recorded 29 tackles, including three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2015. He finished this season with nine tackles, 3.5 for loss.

Jenkins was suspended last season for the Sun Bowl against Washington State and did not make the trip with the team to Virginia this year. He was suspended for the game against the Cavaliers for on field disciplinary issues after receiving three personal foul penalties on the season.

Jenkins who is from Jersey City, New Jersey is also eyeing Rutgers per Ariz’ report.

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    • Willis was a four star recruit out from New Orleans.  He is in his first year playing for the Hurricanes after transferring from Florida. Willis had offers from Alabama, LSU and Florida State among others coming out of high school.

    Willis had 19 tackles, 5.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks this season. Ariz said issues that could prevent Willis from going pro are “Ultimately knew he doesn’t have enough film yet. Source said he played the second half of the season with a torn meniscus as well.”

    He is projected to be the 20th Defensive Tackle take out of 157 if he declares for the draft per NFL Draft Scout.

    Njoku is a prototypical pass catching tight end. The only thing that might keep him at the U is that his brother Evidence is part of the Hurricanes class of 2017. There is not much more for him to accomplish personally, even with two years of eligibility remaining.

    Njoku nearly doubled his receptions and receiving yards this season. He has 38 catches for 654 yards and increased his touchdowns from one to seven this season. Njoku teamed with true freshman receiver Ahmmon Richards to give Brad Kaaya a pair of deep threats in the passing game.

    Next: Two Former Hurricanes Added To Butch Davis' Staff

    Njoku’s draft stock has skyrocketed during the season. He is currently listed as the number two Tight End out of 78 listed in the class per NFl Draft Scout. Njoku shared the position with Christopher Herndon IV who had 25 receptions for 296 yards and two touchdowns. Herndon doesn’t have the same kind of explosiveness as Njoku.

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