Mario Cristobal discusses Robby Washington moving to cornerback

After signing with Miami as a wide receiver in the 2023 class, Robby Washington is moving to cornerback to join his brother, linebacker Bobby on defense. Robby had the only two receptions of his career for 27 yards versus Bethune-Cookman during the 2023 season.

Washington was the 204th player, 28 WR and 44th player in Florida in the 2023 class out of Palmetto. As a sophomore in 2020, Washington had 13 tackles, one tackle for loss and two interceptions. After playing in two games as a true freshman in 2023, Washington was not listed on the Miami participation report versus FAMU.

The move of Washington to CB is to help add depth for Miami to a thin position. Miami lost starting CB Damari Brown in the season opener to a soft tissue injury. Brown will be out for an unspecified amount of time. Darryl Porter Jr. and Mishael Powell were listed as the starting CBs by Miami versus FAMU.

Jaden Harris, Dyoni Hill and freshman Zaquan Patterson were listed as the other three starting defensive backs for Miami. Harris tied for the Miami team lead with five tackles. True freshman O.J. Frederique has quickly exceeded his three-star ranking and has received significant playing time in the first two weeks.

"We need a little bit of help at the [defensive back] spot. In practice, we've done it with him before...because whenever we do tackling drills, when we do coverage drills, his natural ability to bend, to come to balance, to strike ball carriers is...special...When we threw him up there in press coverage, and some of the one on one stuff we would do in the spring...We believe that he will be an elite corner...He has the ability to get on people and stay on people."

- Mario Cristobal, Via Inside the U

Frederique led the Miami defensive backs with 38 snaps versus FAMU. Harris played 35, Hill and Powell 34, Porter 26, Ja'Dais Richard 22 and Patterson 18. All of the other Miami DBs played less than 15 snaps. Washington will likely compete with the current true freshman and redshirt freshman to earn CBs snaps.

The Miami secondary was the biggest question mark on the roster entering the 2024 season. Miami is 26th nationally allowing 130 yards per game, 36th holding opponents to a 53.7 completion percentage, fifth with a 75.63 passer rating against and 22nd with opponents averaging a paltry 4.8 yards per attempt.

The elite athleticism Washington has projects well at CB. Per his 247Sports scouting report, Washington ran track as a youth and he excelled on special teams in high school. Once Washington learns the defense he has the opportunity to develop into a valuable CB for Miami.