Miami Hurricanes secondary led by Tyrique Stevenson limits big plays in scrimmage
The Miami Hurricanes secondary led by Georgia transfer cornerback Tyrique Stevenson limited the big plays by the offense in the first spring scrimmage according to head coach Manny Diaz. A video with Diaz speaking about the scrimmage was released on the official Miami athletic YouTube page on Saturday.
Miami returns their entire secondary in 2021. The addition of Stevenson should help the Hurricanes’ entire defense. Those numbers need to be put into perspective with the quarterbacks thriving on Saturday. Freshman Jake Garcia completed 15 of 19 for 188 yards and a touchdown.
Second-year freshman Tyler Van Dyke was 10 of 15 for 114 yards and a TD. Miami also has redshirt sophomore Peyton Matocha challenging for snaps this spring with Hurricanes starting QB D’Eriq King out after tearing his ACL in the 37-34 loss to Oklahoma State in the Cheez-it Bowl in December.
Miami returns an experienced secondary but needs better play at the position, particularly cornerback in 2021. The Hurricanes finished a mediocre 65th nationally in 2020 allowing 233.9 passing yards per game. With Diaz adding defensive coordinator to his responsibilities in 2021, those numbers are expected to drop.
"“For number one, leveraging the football and not giving up explosive plays, we were solid on that…You can see the addition that Tyriq Stevenson has made, standing out not just in pass coverage but run support and making good tackles."
In two years with Georgia, Stevenson recorded 47 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and 10 pass breakups. Those numbers reinforce Diaz stating that Stevenson can stand out in pass coverage and run support. Stevenson is projected to start at one outside CB with returnees Al Blades Jr. or D.J. Ivey.
Blades led Miami with seven pass breakups in 2020 and added 29 tackles and two interceptions. Slot CB Te’Cory Couch led Hurricanes at the position last season with 39 tackles and added 2.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, one interception, six pass breakups which were second to Blades and one forced fumble.
dark. Next. Miami better opportunity per Tyrique Stevenson
Stevenson played the slot for Georgia and returned to Miami in part to further his NFL prospects as an outside CB. At 6’0, 202 pounds, Stevenson has the height and build to be successful outside CB. The addition of Stevenson to the Miami Hurricanes secondary was critical this offseason to a team thin at CB.