Miami Hurricanes will dominate 2019 College Football All-Transfer team
The Miami Hurricanes dominated the college football transfer portal. Two transfers signed with Miami in December and six more after Manny Diaz was named head coach on December 30. That should translate to the field this fall.
Several of the transfers headed to the Miami Hurricanes through the portal is expected to make an immediate impact. The College Football News came up with a transfer 2019 preseason All-America team. Several Miami football players made the list.
As many as six transfers could be starting for the Miami Hurricanes in 2019. Another two are sitting out this season and could have big impacts in 2020. Manny Diaz has owned the transfer portal in the 2019 college football offseason like no coach ever has before.
Three transfer starters on offense and three on defense are possible for the Miami Hurricanes in 2019. Wide receiver K.J. Osborn has made an impact several months before Miami kicks off in Orlando August 24. The fifth-year graduate transfer from Buffalo has taken command of the young Miami receiving corps.
Osborn was a productive player the last two seasons for the Bulls. Osborn gives whoever the Miami starting QB is a reliable target to throw to. The College Football News says Osborn is a sleeper for 2019.
"“WR KJ OsbornBuffalo to MiamiAfter flying under the radar a bit on a Buffalo team full of offensive stars, Osborn had his breakout junior season catching 53 passes for 892 yards and seven touchdowns. He won’t be Miami’s No. 1 guy – that should still be Jeff Thomas – but the explosive playmaker will be a key starter.”"
Quarterback
and offensive tackle Tommy Kennedy did not make CFN’s all-transfer team but could have big impacts for the Hurricanes this fall. Kennedy will battle for the starting spot at right tackle. Martell is the frontrunner to become the Miami starting quarterback.
Asa Martin comes to Miami from Auburn but will sit out the 2019 season. The Miami football program did not seek a waiver from the NCAA to forego the mandatory one year to sit out after transferring. CFN is high on the former Alabama Mr. Football and has him on the 2019 All-transfer team.
"“RB Asa MartinAuburn to MiamiOut of all the transfers making their way to Coral Gables, Martin might turn into one of the biggest breakout stars – in 2020.The former big-time recruit for Auburn only ran 13 times for 57 yards with two catches for 36 yards last season, but there was one big problem – he played in five games. There was a bit of a mixup, but in the end, Martin lost a year, and now he’ll have to wait another season before getting on the field.”"
Three transfers could help stabilize the Miami defense in 2019. The Hurricanes lost a lot of talent on the defensive line and in the secondary. Help is on the way. Former UCLA defensive tackle Chigozie Nnoruka adds stability and experience on the interior much like Osborn is doing at wide receiver.
Nnoruka fell out of favor with the Bruins new coaching staff under Chip Kelly after a productive 2017 season. CFN expects Nnoruka to have an impact on the Miami defense in 2019.
"“DE Chigozie NnorukaUCLA to MiamiGo ahead and put him anywhere on the line. The 6-1, 293-pound former JUCO transfer made 46 tackles with two sacks and eight tackles for loss as a sophomore for the Bruins, but only played in four games with seven tackles last year.”"
The loss of star safeties Jaquan Johnson and Sheldrick Redwine left a gaping hole and loss of leadership in the Miami Hurricanes defense and their secondary. The addition of former USC safety Bubba Bolden was big for Diaz and the Hurricanes defense. CFN loves Bolden’s upside.
Defensive line coach Jess Simpson has left for the Atlanta Falcons. Was saving this, but won’t use it now. Still, here’s Simpson on UCLA grad transfer DT Chigozie Nnoruka pic.twitter.com/8mmegwgoop
— Christopher Stock (@InsideTheU) March 5, 2019
"“S Bubba BoldenUSC to MiamiA superstar high school talent, he was never able to get on the field for USC after being suspended. The skill is next-level undeniable – he should be a key part of the Miami secondary in 2020."
Jaelan Phillips was the 2017 number one recruit coming out of high school. His decision to transfer to Miami was the biggest talent the Hurricanes signed this offseason. Phillips was a teammate of Nnoruka at UCLA.
Dealing with injuries during his first two years of college, Phillips is taking the 2019 season off to rehabilitate and get his body in football shape. Phillips will have two years of eligibility remaining commencing in 2020. If he has a stellar season Phillips could declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
"“LB Jaelan PhillipsUCLA to MiamiA slew of Pac-12 programs were in the mix for the one-time super-recruit pass rushing prospect, but he’s a Hurricane. Phillips will likely work as an outside linebacker, but he’s almost certainly going to have to wait until 2020 to be eligible."
Next. Miami Hurricanes Striker position has evolved from position of need. dark
Another player to watch for Miami who is not on CFN’s watchlist is former Virginia Tech defensive end Trevon Hill. Hill was on pace for a breakthrough 2018 season in Blacksburg before being dismissed after three games. Hill had 94 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in 29 games from 2016-18 with the Hokies,.