The Miami football program added projected starting linebacker Jaylin Alderman on Sunday from Louisville. Alderman was recruited to Louisville by current Miami LBs coach Derek Nicholson. Expect Alderman to start with returning starting LBs Francisco Mauigoa and Wesley Bissainthe.
With 62 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two passes defended in 2023 Alderman had a breakout season. Alderman follows K.J. Cloyd, a key contributor for Miami in 2023 after he also transferred from Louisville. Alderman will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Miami was inexperienced at LB behind Bissinathe and Mauigoa before Alderman announced his transfer to Miami on Sunday. Chase Smith, who has limited defensive snaps was the only LB on the Miami roster with more than two years in college entering the 2024 season.
After a promising true freshman season in 2021, Alderman redshirted in 2022. Alderman had his best game in 2023 with eight tackles, one TFL and one sack versus Boston College. Against Miami, Alderman had six tackles and 0.5 TFL. At 6'1 and 230 pounds, Alderman gives Miami good size at LB.
Alderman is the 11th transfer Miami has added for the 2024 season. The addition of Alderman gives Miami seven transfers on defense. Oregon State running back was the fourth transfer Miami added on offense Saturday night. Marshall cornerback Dyoni Hill is expected to commit to Miami soon.
Other projected transfer starters for Miami are quarterback Cam Ward, Martinez, center Zach Carpenter and defensive tackles C.J. Clark and Marley Cook. The addition of Alderman moves Miami up to the 18th-best 2024 transfer class. Miami should continue moving up in the rankings.
Rising sophomore Raul Aguirre and 2024 signee Cameron Pruitt were impressive this spring. Expect Aguirre and Pruitt to be in the LB rotation in 2024. Miami has added several blue-chip LBs in the past two classes. Alderman allows the young LBs on the Miami roster more time to develop.