Miami Hurricanes LB depth after Tyler Johnson enters transfer portal

As was reported earlier this month, linebacker Tyler Johnson made it official on Thursday and entered the transfer portal. The Miami Hurricanes continue to lose LB depth. Tirek-Austin Cave who transferred to West Virginia and Deshaun Troutman are other Miami LBs who have entered the portal during the 2022 offseason.

Miami signed UCLA transfer LB Caleb Johnson during the 2022 offseason. Johnson is projected as the starting MLB for Miami in 2022. Keontra Smith and Waynmon Steed who both started during the 2021 season are the expected starting outside LB for Miami in 2022. The Miami LB corps has had a major transition this offseason.

In addition to the transfers of Austin-Cave, Johnson and Troutman, the new coaching staff has eliminated the striker position. As a former defensive back, Smith is well suited to a hybrid DB/LB position. The Miami Hurricanes changed the hybrid position from striker to star that will be closer to a traditional 4-3 defense.

Fifth-year redshirt senior Gilbert Frierson and sophomore Chase Smith are also former strikers. Miami is also expected to lose LB Sam Brooks to the transfer portal. The Miami Hurricanes could add another transfer LB before training camp starts in August. There is also potential for another Miami LB to enter the transfer portal.

Matt Zenitz of On3 was the first to report that Johnson entered the transfer portal. Johnson is the brother of former Miami star safety Jaquan. Pro Football Focus via Inside the U, recorded Johnson playing all 46 of his 2021 snaps on special teams. Johnson wasn’t likely to be in the 2022 Miami LB rotation, but lose depth.

In addition to Caleb Johnson, Miami signed four-star 2022 LB Wesley Bissainthe. Bissainthe is expected to compete to be part of the rotation in 2022. Miami also has veterans Avery Huff and Ryan Ragone on the roster. Huff is another player to watch with the potential to enter the transfer portal.