Miami football faces key Alabama transfers Saturday

The Miami football team will not be the only program relying on transfers when they play Alabama on Saturday at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Six of the top 120 transfers will be on the field when the Hurricanes and Crimson Tide kickoff in Atlanta. Four Hurricanes and two Crimson Tide transfers are in the 247 Sports Top 150.

Alabama linebacker Henry To’o To’o who transferred from Tennessee was the top-ranked transfer during the 2021 offseason. In profiling each of the top 50 2021 transfers, 247 said of To’o To’o “proven head-hunter at linebacker who should become an even bigger star, and a probable first-round pick.”

Among the players taking the field at Mercedes Benz Stadium, Miami cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is the second-highest ranked transfer behind To’o To’o and the 10th ranked transfer nationally. The former Georgia Bulldog will be a key part of the Miami rotation at CB listed as one of three starters at the position.

In their profile of Stevenson, 247 said: “Versatile defensive back returning back home to Miami. Should be a huge piece to the defensive backfield for the Hurricanes.”  Stevenson is listed as the co-starter for two CB positions with Te’Cory Couch and D.J. Ivey. The likelihood is that Miami will be playing three CBs most often.

Former Ohio State wide receiver Jameson Williams is the 23rd ranked transfer in 2021. Williams had 15 receptions for 266 yards and three touchdowns in two seasons with the Buckeyes. With Heisman Trophy Winner Da’Vonte Smith and Jaylan Waddle both NFL first-round picks, Alabama was inexperienced at WR.

Williams was praised by 247: “From one college football superpower to another, Williams averaged 17 yards per reception in 2020 and should put up numbers in an Alabama receiving room that has fewer established options than Ohio State.” Williams and John Metchie provide Alabama a dangerous WR duo.

Charleston Rambo who is the 25th ranked transfer and fifth at WR is expected to be just as important to the Miami football team as Williams projects for Alabama. Rambo regressed in 2020 at Oklahoma but is expected to thrive in the Rhett Lashlee offense and provide the deep threat Miami desperately needs.

"“Good 2019 season, followed by an injury- and covid-hampered 2020 where he was passed on the depth chart by freshman sensation Marvin Mims. Will be one of D’Eriq King’s favorites.”"

The summary of Rambo from 247 expects him to be a key receiver for King. Teaming with WR Mike Harley and tight end Will Mallory, the Miami football team should have three clutch receivers on offense in 2021. Rambo should be ready to put 2020 behind him and show the game-breaking receiver he was in 2019.

Miami holds the other two players ranked in the top 120 transfers for 2021. Defensive end Deandre Johnson adds much-needed depth for Miami as a second-team edge rusher ranked as the 104th best transfer for 2021. Offensive lineman Justice Oluawaseun was the last transfer to join Miami in 2021 and ranks 119th.