Expect Miami Hurricanes 2019 freshmen CBs to make impact
Despite the Miami Hurricanes 2019 recruiting class ranking 28th nationally, expect four-star freshmen cornerbacks Te’Cory Couch and Christian Williams to make an impact this season.
The Miami Hurricanes signed two four-star cornerbacks in the Class of 2019. Christian Williams and Te’Cory Couch both have an opportunity to make an impact this season.
Four-star wide receiver Jeremiah Payton is the highest rated player that signed with the Miami Hurricanes in the Class of 2019. Williams is the second highest rated 2019 Miami signee and highest rated defender.
Couch was further down the Hurricanes list. He was the sixth highest-rated signee for Miami overall and the fifth highest rated defensive player for the Hurricanes in the incoming freshmen class.
Couch and Williams have the potential to make the biggest impact in the 2019 Miami freshmen class. With a talented but relatively thin six man corps of CBs, any injuries or poor performances will press Couch and/or Williams into duty quickly.
In a pair of articles by
Barry Jackson in the Miami Herald
and
, plus a discussion by Navarro in The Athletic, the longtime Miami sportswriters discussed which Miami Freshmen are most likely to contribute on defense in 2019. Couch and Williams at cornerback are the most likely to play early.
Williams and Couch have both impressed their teammates with their skills on the field and dedication off of it. Miami rising sophomore CB D.J. Ivey has been impressed by Williams play as told to Jackson.
"“He can help us out…During 7 on 7, I see out of his break that he’s very quick. He has a sense for the ball.”"
Rising redshirt senior safety Robert Knowles told Jackson that Williams’ size, maturity and learning curve have been far beyond his years thus far as part of the Miami Hurricanes football program.
"“Christian Williams, he looks good. He’s big, he’s long. He catches on so well to everything. He’s been doing everything right on and off the field. He’s going to class, doing everything he’s supposed to do.”"
Navarro projects Williams as the fourth CB. Rising junior Trajan Bandy returns for his second season as a starter. Ivey and fellow sophomores Nigel Bethel and Al Blades will also be in the mix to be in the rotation at cornerback. Williams is the highest rated defensive signee Miami had in 2019.
Bandy told Jackson that Couch has been working to add weight this summer. Couch was listed at 5’9.5, 148 pounds when he signed with the Hurricanes. He is reportedly up to 160 now. Even at that weight, he is in danger of getting pushed around. That is especially to be felt against the run.
"“They’ve been stuffing Te’Cory, trying to get his weight up. He’s been taking on that well … coming and working hard, asking questions in the film room to try and learn the plays so once the game comes he’ll be ready.”"
Navarro expects that Couch will play and avoid a redshirt if Miami suffers injuries of ineffective play at CB. Cornerback coach Mike Rumph told Navarro during the spring that he thinks Couch can play immediately.
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Bandy made a big impact during his freshman season in 2019 as a nickel back. His interception return for a touchdown just before halftime against Notre Dame is one of the most iconic plays in Miami history and certainly in the rivalry against the Fighting Irish. Couch and Williams seem to be ready to get a turn this season.