How Miami football fits for potential Tennessee transfer RB Cody Brown

Four-star running back Cody Brown was released from his letter of intent with Tennessee after the Volunteers fired former head coach Jeremy Pruitt. The Miami football program is thin with four scholarship RBs on their roster. Miami signed four-star RB Thad Franklin in the Class of 2021.

The Miami football program returns junior Cam’Ron Harris and freshmen Don Chaney Jr. and Jaylan Knighton in 2021. Brown could add good depth in the Hurricanes the backfield after Robert Burns transferred. Harris is likely to be the starter in 2021 with Chaney and Harris challenging him.

At 6’0, 217 pounds, Brown and Franklin who is 6’0 225, could provide Miami with more power carrying the football. Brown was released from the LOI from Tennessee last week and was contacted by the Miami coaching staff according to Andrew Ivins of Inside the U. Brown is the 10th ranked running back per 247 Sports.

Brown is ranked 10th via the 247 Sports composite of multiple recruiting sites. In their own rankings, Brown was recently ranked 13th when 247 Sports examined “Where the top 20 running backs in 2021 class signed.” Those rankings and the profiles were posted before Brown was released from his LOI.

"NO. 13 | CODY BROWNMeasurables: 6-foot-0, 217 poundsHigh school: Parkview High School | Lilburn, GA247Sports Composite: Four-star | 0.9134 | No. 232 overall | No. 10 running backRecruitment Status: Signed with Tennessee VolunteersEvaluation: “Filled out frame and is very developed physically. Already has considerable muscle mass despite entering his senior year of high school. Looks like he doesn’t miss much time in the weight room. A strong, power athlete who has excelled…especially relative to his size.Productive as a sophomore and junior against strong competition in a high classification of high school football in Georgia. Excels as a downhill runner with the ability to run through arm tackles at the second level. Decisive in reading his blocks and doesn’t hesitate in getting upfield. Flaunts a strong stiff arm and runs with good contact balance.Lacks high level burst and a true top gear in the open field at this point. Projects as a Power 5 starter with the upside to develop into an NFL Draft pick.” – 247Sports National Writer Charles Power.”"

Harris led Miami with 643 rushing yards, 5.1 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns in 2020. Harris struggled in the middle of last season before averaging 4.95 yards per carry over the final six games of 2020. Chaney and Knighton will be part of the rotation. Franklin could have a tough time breaking through as a freshman.

If the Miami football program adds Brown he would primarily be a backup who can potentially vie for fourth team with Franklin at RB. Chaney and Knighton received a lot of playing time as freshmen because Burns was the only primary backup for Harris. Harris has two years of eligibility remaining for Miami beginning in 2021.