Edge rusher Chantz Williams is the sixth Miami football player to enter the transfer portal after falling out of the defensive line rotation this season. Williams played in 38 games over four seasons with Miami. The production from Williams has decreased each season since 2021.
Williams had 17 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two passes defended in 2021. In 2022 Williams had 13 tackles and 2.5 TFL. Williams had eight tackles, a 0.5 TFL and one pass defended this season. Williams fell out of the rotation significantly in 2023 behind new Miami defensive lineman.
Mario Cristobal has made the line of scrimmage a priority. The Miami football program has added five edge rushers in the two years since Cristobal was hired in December 2021. Williams is the second Miami edge rusher to enter the transfer portal. Jahfari Harvey announced his intention to transfer on Monday.
Williams was the second-highest-ranked signee and top defensive prospect in the 2020 Miami class. The 247 Sports composite rankings had Williams as the 85th prospect, sixth weakside defensive end and 13th recruit in Florida out of Orange Park Oakleaf. Former Miami linebacker Shaq Quarterman is also an Oakleaf alum.
I have entered my name into the transfer portal.
— Chantz Williams🤴🏾 (@_chantzler) November 30, 2023
Thank you Miami❤️ pic.twitter.com/B3qCNsIFVh
The decision by Williams was expected as there was not a path for him to receive playing time in 2024. True freshman Rueben Bain was named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year on Wednesday. Bain had 37 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defended.
Former starting edge rushers Nyjlaik Kelly and Akheem Mesidor are expected to return for Miami in 2024 after suffering season-ending injuries in 2023. Miami is deep at edge rusher and has an elite group committed at defensive end in the 2024 Class. Miami has four edge rushers committed to its 2024 Class, three are four-stars.