Gilbert Frierson has contributed 113 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, eight pass breakups and two interceptions with one for a touchdown in parts of five seasons with the Miami football program. Frierson announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Twitter Tuesday afternoon.
Frierson recorded only three tackles with one pass breakup, one interception and his sole career pick-six coming in the 2022 season opener against Bethune-Cookman. Frierson was unable to find a role in the Miami defense this season under new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. Frierson was a starter in 2020 and 2021.
After being signed as a cornerback under Mark Richt in 2018, Frierson was switched to striker. Frierson became the starting striker for Miami in 2020 and had his best season for the Hurricanes with 53 tackles, 9.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, four pass breakups a fumble recovery. Frierson had 41 tackles, 3.5 TFLs and 1.0 sack in 2021.
Frierson is a fifth-year redshirt junior. The two extra seasons of eligibility for Frierson are the result of a redshirt season as a freshman in 2018 and the amnesty granted by the NCAA during the 2020-21 school year. The NCAA froze eligibility for all athletes during the 2020-21 school year.
3 OUT… pic.twitter.com/DLcwdmmBXO
— GB (@_gbe2) November 15, 2022
Frierson was the 200th-ranked player, 21st CB and 33rd in Florida in the Class of 2018 when he signed with Miami. Including Frierson, seven players remained on the 2022 Miami football roster from the 2018 class. Frierson is the cousin of Miami Sports Hall of Famer and former Hurricane running back Frank Gore.
Frierson is the first of what is expected to be numerous Miami football players entering the transfer portal. After the first season under Mario Cristobal, several players have seen playing time reduced or not fit into what the new staff wants for multiple reasons. Miami will likely add a plethora of their own transfers.
The Hurricanes added 12 transfers during the 2022 offseason. Five of those transfers are on a rebuilt defensive line that has been productive this season. Miami also added linebacker Caleb Johnson and CB Darryl Porter Jr. who have added depth. Defense will be a focus again for Miami in the 2023 transfer portal.