Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor has been named by Chris Hummer of 247 Sports as part of their “Projecting college football’s 2022 All-Transfer Team.” Mesidor had 70 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks the last two seasons for West Virginia before transferring to Miami during the offseason.
Mesidor is one of 11 transfers the Miami Hurricanes football program added during the 2022 season, seven on defense. Miami adds versatility with Mesidor and the potential for him to play inside on the defensive line. Mesidor graded out far better as a pass rusher in 2022 than against the run.
Miami needs Mesidor more as an edge rusher than a defensive tackle. The return of Jared Harrison-Hunte and Leonard Taylor at DT for Miami in 2022 should be the anchor of the defense. UCLA transfer Mitchell Agude and Mesidor are the projected starting edge rushers for Miami in 2022.
Mesidor is the only player from Miami projected by Hummer to make the all-transfer team. By the end of the season, more Miami players could be on this list. Linebacker Caleb Johnson from UCLA and cornerback Darryl Porter Jr. from West Virginia are also projected defensive starters for Miami in 2022.
2-year starting LB at UCLA
— Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) April 22, 2022
Miami adds a 5th Power 5 transfer starting defender. Incredible
✅ Jake Lichtenstein (USC)
✅ Mitchell Agude (UCLA)
✅ Akheem Mesidor (WVU)
✅ Daryl Porter (WVU)
✅ Caleb Johnson (UCLA) https://t.co/pbVGQTGdEj
"Akheem Mesidor, DL, MiamiTransfer Ranking: No. 32“Mesidor could end up playing inside for Miami – it’s probably his more natural position – but he’s stated a desire to play defensive end upon his exit from West Virginia. Either way, he should be a disruptive presence for the Hurricanes.Mesidor posted 33 pressures for the Mountaineers playing inside last year, which ranked 17th nationally among all interior defenders per PFF. Expect that same type of production in South Beach.”"
On offense, Mississippi transfer Henry Parrish was the best running back for Miami during spring practice. Clemson transfer wide receiver Frank Ladson is projected to be an important part of the rotation for Miami in 2022. Agude and Mesidor were critical addition for Miami with inexperienced edge rushers behind them.
Jahfari Harvey started five games in 2021 and Chantz Williams who will be a part of the rotation for Miami in 2022 were the projected starters before Agude and Mesidor transferred to Miami. Mesidor should be a part of an improved Miami DL in 2022 led by new co-defensive coordinators Kevin Steele and Charlie Strong.