Miami Football 2023 freshmen defensive back expectations
After losing 11 scholarship defensive backs following the 2022 season, the Miami football team signed cornerbacks Damari Brown and Robert Stafford in the 2023 Class. Miami also signed junior college CB Demetrius Freeney and added three transfers at the position to their 2023 roster.
Brown and Stafford are nearly even in the 2023 class rankings. Stafford is the 167th-ranked player, 16th CB and 39th in Florida out of Eau Gallie in Melbourne. Brown is the 173rd-ranked prospect, 18th CB and 40th signee in Florida in 2023 out of American Heritage.
Stafford was initially a two-way player who did not begin playing defense until his junior season in 2021 per the 247 Sports scouting report. Earlier in his career, Stafford was a productive wide receiver. Stafford had 57 receptions for 867 yards and eight touchdowns through his junior year per Max Preps.
The scouting report from Andrew Ivins of 247 Sports stated that Stafford is “an explosive multi-sport athlete…(who is) aggressive in coverage and not one to shy away from a challenge. Ability to go up in the air and make a play at the catch point separates him from most other defenders his size.”
Ivins stated that the 5’11 and 175 pound Staff will need to bulk up in college to
“jam larger wideouts at the line of scrimmage.”
The eventual NFL Draft projection for Stafford from Ivins is as a day three pick. The addition of transfers Davonte Brown, Jaden Davis and Jaidus Richard with the returnees could allow Stafford to redshirt.
Damari Brown has received a lot of praise throughout training camp this month. With less than two weeks before the September 1 season opener versus Miami (Ohio), Brown is pushing to make the two deep depth chart. At 6’2 and 195 pounds, Brown provides the Miami football team with needed length at CB.
Cristobal praised Brown during training camp “He pops now. Big and physical and he can run. He plays with courage and toughness, student of the game.” Brown could end up being an immediate impact player. The possiblity exists that Brown could start next to his brother Damari at CB.
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Following the mass exodus after the 2022 season in the secondary, Cristobal, defensive coordinator Lance Guidry and defensive backs coach Jahmile Addae restocking cornerback and safety. Brown should have an impact in 2023. The playing time for Stafford seems to depend on how much he develops in 2023.