Former Georgia cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is a natural fit for the Miami football program according to 247 Sports in an article titled “Transfer Portal: This week’s top commitments and notable entries.” Stevenson is the most prominent of the three additions Miami has made through the transfer portal in January.
Stevenson transferred to Miami after playing two seasons at Georgia. In two seasons with the Bulldogs Stevenson recorded 47 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and 10 pass breakups. In 2020, Stevenson had 34 tackles, one TFL and five pass breakups. Stevenson instantly is the most talented CB on the Miami roster.
The Hurricanes’ pass defense often struggled in 2020. Miami finished 65th in pass defense in 2020 allowing 233.9 yards per game. The worst performance by the Miami pass defense came in its 37-34 Cheez-it Bowl loss to Oklahoma State. The Cowboys threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns in their victory.
The addition of Stevenson to the 2021 Miami football roster was critical with only five scholarship CBs returning from 2020. Juniors Al Blades Jr. and D.J. Ivey, sophomore Te’Cory Couch and freshmen Marcus Clarke and Isaiah Dunson created a thin group for Miami at CB. Signee Malik Curtis adds to the 2021 CBs.
Stevenson announced his transfer to Miami after fellow Miami Southridge alum and Tennessee defensive end DeAndre Johnson previously did so earlier this month. Returning Miami to dominating South Florida recruiting as much as possible is critical to their future success. Bringing the native sons home is important.
"Tyrique Stevenson, DB, Miami – Few schools have thrived in the portal like Miami, and Stevenson is the latest example. Stevenson surprisingly left Georgia following his sophomore season, during which he served as the Bulldogs’ starting nickelback, and found a natural spot in his hometown with the Hurricanes.Stevenson posted 34 tackles and five passes defended during the 2020 season."
Stevenson being a natural spot for Miami continues to build the momentum Miami began by adding the 12th ranked signing class in 2021. The Hurricanes are deep at safety, but three-star signee Curtis who is listed as an athlete was the only player projected as a CB for Miami in the Class of 2021.
Miami is going to have to recruit CBs hard in the Class of 2022. With Blades, Couch and Ivey all eligible for the 2022 NFL Draft, the Hurricanes might have to go to the transfer portal again following the 2021 season to add depth at CB. In the three offseasons under Manny Diaz Miami has thrived in the transfer portal.