Tyrique Stevenson named CFB 10th best returning CB per Pro Football Focus

The return of cornerback Tyrique Stevenson helped solidify the Miami Hurricanes secondary for 2022. Stevenson was recently named as the 10th best returning CB in college football by Pro Football Focus. Miami gained a near shutdown CB when Stevenson transferred from Georgia during the 2021 offseason.

Tyrique Stevenson was second among the Miami defensive backs with 43 tackles, added 2.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, one interception and four pass breakups. Stevenson made an immediate impact for Miami. Stevenson led Miami with nine tackles versus Alabama and had three pass breakups against Appalachian State.

In his first season in the ACC, Stevenson earned All-Conference honorable mention. Stevenson played in 11 of the 12 Miami games with 10 starts. The final game of the season against Duke Stevenson was out with an injury. Stevenson is part of a Miami secondary that did not lose anyone after the 2021 season.

The rest of the Miami secondary needs to improve in 2022. Miami finished 102nd nationally allowing 250.6 passing yards per game in 2021. The returning safety tandem of Kamren Kinchens and James Williams should continue to develop in their sophomore seasons. Miami needs improved play from the other CBs.

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"10. TYRIQUE STEVENSON, MIAMI HURRICANES“Stevenson came back home to South Beach to play on the outside for Miami after two years playing for Georgia in the slot. The 2019 No. 37-ranked recruit elevated his play after the position and school change. He earned a 76.1 coverage grade while allowing 0.68 yards per coverage snap in 2021.When Stevenson was left on an island, he almost always came out on top. He has proven to be the best corner returning to the ACC and has the skill set to make the leap to even higher levels of play in 2022.”"

Marcus Clarke returns to start opposite Stevenson. Also returning among the CBs likely to compete for spots in the rotation are Al Blades Jr. after missing 2021 with an injury Te’Cory Couch and D.J. Ivey. Having depth and a high level of play at CB is important in this era of football with offenses often playing four wide receivers.

David Lake of Inside the U recently did a deep dive into the PFF numbers Stevenson had in 2021. On 49 targets in coverage in 2021, Stevenson allowed 25 receptions for 228 yards. The 9.1 yards per reception that Stevenson allowed was the second-best among outside Power Five CBs.

Once the receivers he was covering made the reception, Stevenson continued to be elite. Stevenson allowed only 60 yards after that catch. That was ninth among CBs who were in coverage for at least 300 snaps. Stevenson was elite in man coverage allowing five receptions for 82 yards on 21 targets.

In zone coverage, Stevenson allowed nine receptions for 65 yards on 15 targets. Stevenson returning to Miami provides the Hurricanes with their best CB and leadership on defense. His presence should help the other players’ performance if they can continue to develop. Miami greatly needs improved pass defense.