Guard Javion Cohen was named by Chip Patterson of CBS Sports as the Miami football transfer ready to make an instant impact. Cohen is the highest-ranked of the 14 2023 Miami FBS transfers. Several of the Miami transfers are projected to be starters in 2023. Also included by Patterson is former Miami safety Al Blades Jr.
The entire article by Patterson focused on”ACC football transfers: Florida State, Miami plug roster holes with instant-impact players for 2023 season.” The additions of Cohen and Central Florida transfer Matt Lee add depth, experience and proven production to a rebuilt Miami offensive line for the 2023 season.
Cohen and Lee are projected to start upfront with true freshman Francis Mauigoa at right tackle. Left tackle and right guard will be determined in training camp. A lot will depend on the health of Zion Nelson. If Nelson is recovered after missing most of the 2022 season with a knee injury he will likely start at LT.
Jalen Rivers took snaps at LT during spring football and provides the Miami football team with versatility on the OL. If Nelson is healthy Rivers will likely be the starting right guard. Cohen started 24 of the 26 games he played for Alabama in the last two seasons. Cohen was second-team All-SEC in 2022.
Mario Cristobal said Javion Cohen is a “huge acquisition.” pic.twitter.com/RyJTql8WGv
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) March 28, 2023
"Miami OL Javion Cohen“A reworked offensive line and new offensive coordinator play a big part in the hope that quarterback Tyler Van Dyke will take some big steps forward in 2023 after a disappointing sophomore season for the former ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year.Cohen arrives from Alabama carrying not only his blue-chip prospect rating out of high school but a high-end reassessment as the No. 10 player in the transfer portal (r)ankings. Cohen will be joined on the interior of the offensive line by highly-touted transfer Matt Lee from UCF (No. 26 in the portal player rankings).Coach Mario Cristobal also picked up key defensive pieces with top-100 transfers Francisco Mauigoa from Washington State, defensive lineman Branson Deen from Purdue and cornerback Davonte Brown from UCF.”"
The additions of Cohen and Lee will allow them to mentor the five OL Miami signed in the 2023 class. Mauigoa and fellow five-star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa are expected to contribute this season. New offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson will work with OL coach Alex Mirabal to maximize protection for Tyler Van Dyke.
Per his Alabama profile, Cohen allowed 1.5 sacks in 2022. Miami was 104th in 2022 allowing 3.0 sacks per game. Cohen has consistently produced at a high level after gaining a highly-ranked evaluation out of high school and earning the same as a transfer. The Miami OL should be greatly improved in 2023.
Francisco Mauigoa is projected to be the starting middle linebacker for Miami in 2023. Mauigoa had 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception that he returned 95 yards for a touchdown in 2022 at Washington State. Brown is projected to challenge as a starter at CB.
In addition to Brown Miami also added FBS transfer CBs Jaden Davis from Oklahoma and Jaiden Richard from Vanderbilt. Deen and fellow transfer DL Anthony Campbell from Louisiana and Thomas Gore from Georgia State add depth at defensive tackle behind projected starters Jared Harrison-Hunte and Leonard Taylor.