Manny Diaz praised for using portal to improve Miami football roster
Manny Diaz was praised by Bud Elliott on the Cover 3 podcast for using the transfer portal to improve the Miami football roster. The Hurricanes added cornerback Tyrique Stevenson from Georgia, defensive end DeAndre Johnson from Tennessee and wide receiver Charleston Rambo from Oklahoma as transfers for 2021.
Three was the lowest amount of players Miami has added through the transfer portal during entering the third season Diaz will lead the Hurricanes. The players that have signed with Miami through the transfer portal have all made an impact. Several recent Miami transfers have become NFL draftees.
The 2021 NFL Draft will be the most successful for Miami transfers. Edge rushers Jaelan Phillips is and Quincy Roche are projected as a first-round pick and day two selection respectively. Johnson was signed to step into one of the starting spots at DE vacated by Phillips and Roche. Miami has improved thin positions with transfers.
The three recently added transfers will have company on the Miami football roster in 2021 with2 other players who began their careers with other programs. Quarterback D’Eriq King and offensive tackle Jarrid Williams began their careers at Houston, safety Bubba Bolden at USC and punter Lou Hedley is a junior college transfer.
"“Manny Diaz was an early adopter of the transfer portal…He’s been all about it I think as you mentioned.”"
Without the transfers Miami has on their roster, the Hurricanes would be nowhere close to the reason top 25 team they are expected to be in entering the 2021 season. Miami was one of the early adopters of analyzing the transfer portal to see which players are available and identifying how they will fit with the Hurricanes.
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King transformed the Miami football team in 2020. On and off the field, King stabilized QB for the Hurricanes. The hope is that Johnson, Rambo and Stevenson can do the same in 2021. Mentoring young position groups will especially be important for Johnson and Rambo. Miami is more experienced at CB.