Appearing on the Joe Rose Show last week following the first day of the Early National Signing Period, head coach Mario Cristobal said to expect good news in the next few weeks when classes start on January 17 as quoted by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. The Miami football program has commitments from four transfers.
The Hurricanes have added Georgia State defensive tackle, Thomas Gore, Alabama offensive lineman Javion Cohen, Washington State linebacker Francisco Mauigoa and UCF cornerback Davonte Brown. Cristobal also told Rose that interior defensive linemen and outside wide receivers are the focus in the transfer portal.
Miami did not sign outside WRs and three-star DT Joshua Horton was the only interior DL in the 2023 class. Miami lost several DL following the 2022 season including starting DT Darrell Jackson who transferred to Florida State to be closer to his sick mother. Miami needs depth at DT and playmakers on the outside on offense.
A transfer to watch at WR could be Dont’e Thornton who signed with Cristobal at Oregon. Thornton has a 46.1 percent chance to sign with the Miami football program per On3. Auburn is the leader to sign Thornton at 52.7 percent per On3. Thornton would provide excellent size at 6’5, 185 pounds.
"“We’ve zeroed in on some really good targets…We feel good about it. That’s all I can say. Hopefully we’ll have some good news in the next couple weeks when we start classes.”"
Thornton had 26 receptions for 541 yards and three touchdowns in two seasons with the Ducks. As a 2021 signee with Oregon, Thornton was the 57th-ranked prospect, seventh WR and second player in Maryland according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. Thornton would provide Miami with a needed outside deep threat.
Thornton had 11 receptions for 15 or more yards and six of 25 plus in 2022. Only six of the top 50 WRs who were initially in the transfer portal are still available per the On3 rankings. More players could become available after the college football playoffs national championship game on January 9.
Several more transfer defensive linemen are available per On3. Transfers do not have to sign national letters of intent like they did as high school prospects. Transfers do not become 100 percent officially committed to their new programs until they enroll. Post-spring football will be a second wave into the transfer portal.