Miami reportedly signs 2nd ranked transfer safety Zechariah Poyser from Jax State

Pete Nakos of On3 was the first to report on Tuesday afternoon that Miami received its first 2025 transfer addition from Jacksonville State safety Zechariah Poyser. Poyser has two years of eligibility remaining and is a significant addition for Miami in a position in need.

Poyser had 75 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries in 2024. At 6'2 and 170 pounds per his official Jacksonville State biography, Poyser provides Miami with excellent size at safety to replace Mishael Powell who has finished his eligibility.

Per Gaby Urrutia of Inside the U, Poyser committed to Miami over Auburn, Florida, Georgia and LSU. Urrutia also reported that 808 defensive snaps. Poyser played 808 defensive snaps, with 615 snaps in the box or as a big nickel and "was targeted 68 times, allowing 32 receptions for 310 yards and three touchdowns."

Pro Football Focus gave Poyser "an 80.1 defensive grade, a 76.1 run defense grade, and an 80.1 coverage grade per Urrutia. Urrutia also reported that versus Lousville in his only game versus a power conference opponent in 2024 "Poyser played 59 defensive snaps and totaled three tackles. He earned a 63.8 defensive grade"

Poyser played in five games as a true freshman in 2023 with one tackle. At Wildwood High School Poyser played offense and defense. As a senior in 2022, Poyser had 22 tackles, five pass breakups and one forced fumble in 2022. Poyser also contributed 1,086 all-purpose yards in his final two seasons with Wildwood.

Poyser projects to start with rising redshirt junior Jaden Harris or sophomore Zaquan Patterson in 2025 barring any more transfer additions at safety for Miami. Rising junior Markeith Williams adds depth at safety. Harris led Miami defensive backs with 38 tackles, 3.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks in 2024.