Speaking to reporters after practice on Tuesday, Mario Cristobal discussed the need to answer questions about the secondary, their talent acquisition at the position, the players they signed, improvements made and upgrades in competition among the defensive backs.
Miami added cornerbacks Charles Brantley, Emmanuel Karnley, Xavier Lucas and Ethan O'Connor and safety Zechariah Poyser through the transfer portal to the 2025 roster. Brantley, Karnley, Lucas and O'Connor ranked in the top 15 2025 transfer CBs and Poyser is the second-ranked safety.
Miami was 57th nationally in 2024, allowing 214.4 passing yards per game. The Hurricanes were susceptible to allowing long completions, with opponents having 43 pass plays of 20 or more yards. New Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman led a Minnesota defense that tied for first nationally, allowing 23 completions of 20 or more yards.
The five transfer defensive backs provide Miami with more length. Karnley is 6'3, Lucas and Poyser are 6'2, O'Connor is 6'1 and Brantley is 6'0. Miami needs improved play from its secondary in 2025 to make another run for a College Football Playoff berth.
"The one position that we had to really answer questions on was secondary and I think through...some talent acquisition...some signings, we look a whole lot better and it's much more competitive and that being said, we still have a ways to go."Miami head coach Mario Cristobal
Miami defensive backs coach Zac Ethridge said Lucas "shows up in the run game and he can play the ball downfield" when he met with reporters last week. Ethridge said Brantley "challenges everybody to get better on defense and offense." Brantley brings experience as a fifth-year senior and Miami can build with Lucas, who is a sophomore.
Cristobal described Karnley as a "physical, long corner" when spring practice kicked off in March. He also praised the five new defensive backs, noting, "They're all long. They're explosive." The addition of these five transfer DBs enhances Miami's talent pool and positions them to contend for All-ACC honors in 2025.