Miami Football Zion Nelson and Tyrique Stevenson returning helps experience and leadership

In a pair of tweets from the Miami football account, they announced the returns of offensive tackle Zion Nelson and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson for the 2022 season. Nelson and Stevenson are important to the foundation of the Hurricanes in the inaugural season under Mario Cristobal.

Cristobal has spoken openly about the importance of building his team from the inside out. The former Miami offensive tackle will make winning the line of scrimmage on offense and defense a priority. Nelson will be a four-year starter for Miami at left tackle. Stevenson is entering his second year with Miami.

Stevenson transferred during the 2021 offseason from Georgia. Nelson has started 32 of the 35 games he has played in during his three seasons with the Miami football program. Nelson earned honorable mention All-ACC in 2021. Center Jakai Clark and D.J. Scaife are returning starters on the Miami OL In 2022.

Stevenson had 43 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, one interception and four pass breakups as the best CB for Miami in 2021. In a young Miami secondary, the return of Stevenson is important for 2022. Miami is pursuing more CBs through adding a high school player on National Signing Day next month or the transfer portal.

Miami did not lose any CBs off its 2021 roster. The Hurricanes will have to replace the right side of its OL. Navaughn Donaldson and Jarrid Williams have exhausted their eligibility. Jalen Rivers returns from an injury likely to replace Donaldson at guard and John Campbell will do the same to challenge as the starting RT.

After placing his name with the NFL advisory committee Nelson chose to return in 2022. After initially being projected as a first-round pick, Nelson saw his stock fall. Most 2023 NFL Mock Drafts will likely have Nelson as a first-round pick. Stevenson has another season to play as an outside CB.

At Georgia, Stevenson was a slot CB. At 6’0, 214 pounds Stevenson has the size to play inside or outside at CB. In what will still be a young Miami defense in 2022, the return of Stevenson provides experience, leadership and stability. Stevenson led Miami with 586 defensive snaps in 2021 according to Pro Football Focus.

Nelson and Scaife are multi-year starters that will be leaders for the Miami OL and offense in general. The Hurricanes will have a good mix of experience and players stepping into bigger roles on offense and defense in 2022. Mario Cristobal will be able to help set his culture with players like Nelson and Stevenson returning.