Miami football: Can Tyrique Stevenson impact defense how D’Eriq King did offense?

The addition of quarterback D’Eriq King to the Miami football program in 2020 changed the Hurricanes offense and he was a positive impact on the culture throughout the entire roster. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson who transferred from Georgia during the 2021 offseason can have the same impact on defense.

Stevenson has received praise from his teammates throughout spring practice and made several impressive plays during the first two scrimmages and in the Spring Game on Saturday. A pass breakup of a third-down pass attempt to wide receiver Keyshawn Smith and another in the endzone were typical of a shutdown CB.

At 6’0, 202 pounds, Stevenson is the physical CB the Miami football program needs. In two seasons with Georgia Stevenson had two pass breakups and added 47 tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack. Stevenson transferred to Miami for the opportunity to primarily play outside CB instead of in the slot.

The size Stevenson brings at CB should help Miami against the run and pass. Stevenson is becoming a leader on the Miami defense in his short time in the program. During the spring, Stevenson impressed players on offense and defense. Wide receiver Mike Harley and striker Gilbert Frierson both praised Stevenson.

Tyrique Stevenson College Stats

"“Tyrique is a dog, big-bodied guy, really physical, great coverage skills.”"

The observation above from Harley is poignant from a WR who would notice how Stevenson would defend receivers every day in practice. Frierson signed with Miami as a CB in 2018 and soon converted to striker as an early enrollee. Frierson praised Steveson’s physical play and his leadership thus far.

"“A leader coming into the program. Aggressive and [has] physicality.”"

Stevenson took a while to get going in the Spring Game. An offside and pass interference call on the first drive on Saturday before Stevenson made his mark. Stevenson will lead an experienced secondary for Miami in 2020. The Hurricanes defense lost only defensive ends Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche from last season.

Al Blades Jr. and D.J. Ivey will compete for playing time outside with Stevenson with Te’Cory Couch slated to be the first team CB. Miami could occasionally line up Blades and Ivey outside with Stevenson moving inside to the slot. The addition of Stevenson is a big boost to the Miami CB unit that was extremely thin in 2020.