Miami football 2022 defensive transfers produced mixed results

The Miami football program received mixed results from their 2022 defensive transfers. Mario Cristobal and his staff placed an emphasis on the defensive line with two edge rushers, two versatile linemen, one tackle, linebacker and cornerback through the 2022 transfer portal.

Miami added edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and Mitchell Agude, versatile defensive linemen Jacob Lichtenstein and Antonio Moultrie, tackle Darrel Jackson, linebacker Caleb Johnson and cornerback Darryl Porter as 2022 transfers. Mesidor and Jackson who transferred to Florida were the best of the 2022 Miami transfers.

Mesidor had 38 tackles tied for the Miami lead with 10.5 tackles for loss, led the Hurricanes with seven sacks and had four pass breakups. Mesidor graded out as the fourth-highest-ranked edge rusher in the country last season. Agude recorded 39 tackles, seven TFLs, four sacks and one fumble recovery.

After struggling early, Agude was at his best in the middle of the season for Miami. In a four-game stretch versus Duke, Virginia, Florida State and Georgia Tech Agude had 21 tackles, 4.5 TFLs and two sacks. That was the only season for Agude to play for Miami as a 2022 sixth-year senior.

At 6’6, 330 pounds, the value Jackson provided as a run stuffer for Miami was more valuable than the 27 tackles, 4.5 TFLs and three sacks he recorded in 2022. Jackson is figuratively and literally a big loss for Miami on the defensive line. Jackson transferred to Florida State after the 2022 season to be closer to his ill mother.

Lichtenstein and Moutrie added depth and versatility to the Miami DL. Lichtenstein contributed four tackles and one tackle for loss in 2022 and will return next season. Moultrie who was in his final season of eligibility had 14 tackles, two TFLs, a half sack and a fumble recovery in his only season for Miami.

Johnson was the fourth leading tackler for the Miami football team in 2022. The former UCLA Bruin finished with 48 tackles, four TFLs, 1.5 sacks and forced fumbles. Porter who was expected to compete to be a starter for Miami in 2022 finished with 11 tackles, two TFLs and one pass defended in his first season.

Miami signed defensive tackle Thomas Gore from Georgia State and Branson Deen from Purdue, linebacker Francisco Mauigoa from Washington State and cornerback Davonte Brown from Central Florida to their 2023 roster. Expect more transfers added before the 2023 season kicks off in September.