Miami football coach DeMarcus VanDyke wants CBs playing with confidence

The secondary for the Miami football program will have a different look in 2021 with the hiring of Travaris Robinson as the defensive backs coach and DeMarcus VanDyke working with him as the cornerbacks coach. The addition of Georgia transfer Tyrique Stevenson should significantly upgrade the play at CB for Miami in 2021.

Miami returns its entire secondary in 2021. Al Blades is recovering from myocarditis as a result of COVID-19 and his status for the spring is unknown. Blades started seven of the eight games he played in 2020. Te’Cory Couch started the other four games for Miami at CB in 2020 and D.J. Ivey started all 11 games for the Hurricanes.

Stevenson seems almost guaranteed to start for Miami in 2021. Blades, Couch, Ivey and Stevenson provide Miami good depth in the two-deep with Marcus Clarke and Isaiah Dunson backing them up. Miami signed three-star athlete Malik Curtis who could contribute on special teams in 2021.

Van Dyke spoke to reporters earlier this month on National Signing Day. A former Miami CB, Van Dyke wants the Miami CBs to play with confidence. Van Dyke mentioned predecessors to his own tenure playing CB for the Miami football program to illustrate how he wants them in coverage and the mentality to play with.

"“I just want them to have confidence, all the guys that played here from Antrel Rolle to Philip Buchanon. We’re going to play relentless, with good technique…I want them to go out there, have fun, and play with swagger and play with confidence.As a cornerback you’re going to get beat, but you got to have to have that short-term memory. I want guys to realize that if we give up a catch it’s next play up, don’t worry about the play before that. I’m going to preach–you’re either getting better or you’re getting worse.So every day let’s get better at something and let’s go show what we’re about.”"

Before kicker Jose Borregales in 2020, Rolle was the last Miami consensus All-American in 2004. Buchanon was a starter on the 2011 Miami National Championship team. During the championship season, Buchanon earned multiple All-American honors. Stevenson has the talent to become an All-American.

Developing confidence for the Miami CBs will be important after finishing 65th in 2020 allowing 233.9 yards per game. Miami will face some tough passers in 2021. The Hurricanes open with former five-star quarterback Bryce Young and Alabama and will play against North Carolina and Heisman Trophy candidate Sam Howell.