Tyrique Stevenson is the 10th-ranked 2022 cornerback nationally by Pro Football Focus. Stevenson is the only CB in the ACC ranked in the top 10. In his first season with the Miami Hurricanes in 2021, Stevenson had 43 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, one interception and four pass breakups.
Stevenson was the Miami Hurricanes’ best cover CB in his first season in 2021. After the 2021 season, Stevenson earned honorable mention All-ACC. PFF named Stevenson preseason All-ACC. Miami has an experience CB group led by Stevenson. The majority of Miami Hurricanes CBs are upperclassmen.
West Virginia transfer Darryl Porter Jr. who is a third-year sophomore is the likely starter at CB opposite Stevenson. Miami also returns veterans Al Blades Jr., Marcus Clarke, Te’Cory Couch, Isaiah Dunson and D.J. Ivey. Sophomore Malik Curtis played eight games as a true freshman in 2021 mostly on special teams.
Stevenson allowed on 25 receptions for 228 yards in 2021. The 9.1 yards per reception was the second-best among outside CBs in Power Five in 2021. Stevenson received a solid run grade from PFF in 2021 but needs to improve against the run. Stevenson has the build to be a good run defender at 6’0, 214 pounds.
Stevenson could be the leader of a Miami Hurricanes defense with a lot of newcomers. In addition to Porter, Miami is likely to start transfers Mitchell Agude and Akheem Mesidor at edge rusher and Caleb Johnson at linebacker. Including Stevenson half of the Miami starters on defense began their careers with other programs.
The presence of Porter should help take pressure off of Stevenson and help him improve all around in 2022. Stevenson had his most productive game in the 2021 season opener with nine tackles against Alabama. Stevenson has shown the ability to play well in big games throughout his career at Alabama and Miami.
Miami has a pair of nationally relevant games versus Clemson and Texas A&M this season. Texas A&M freshman Evan Stewart will be a test for the Miami defense in week three. Stevenson and the Miami secondary will also be tested by Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong and Kedon Slovis of Pittsburgh.