Miami football loses LB depth with Marcellius Pulliam transfer
Rising sophomore linebacker Marcellius Pulliam is entering the transfer portal. The spring transfer portal closes on Tuesday. Pulliam played in 10 games for Miami as a true freshman in 2023, with one tackle and one interception. Pulliam played primarily on special teams for Miami in 2023.
The departure by Pulliam comes two days after Miami added Louisville LB Jaylin Alderman as a transfer. Other young LBs were ahead of Pulliam on the depth chart. Alderman and veterans, Wesley Bissainthe and Francisco Mauigoa are the projected starting LBs for Miami in 2024.
Sophomore Raul Aguirre and true freshman Cameron Pruitt appeared ahead of Pulliam on the depth chart after spring practice. Pulliam was the 760th-ranked signee, 64th LB and 72nd player in Georgia out of Tyrone, Sandy Creek in the 2023 class. Pulliam was the lowest-rated 2023 Miami defensive signee.
Aguirre, Malik Bryant and Bobby Washington remain as LB signees from the 2023 Miami class still on the roster. Bryant has since moved to edge rusher. Miami signed Pulliam over Kentucky, Louisville and Mississippi State. Pulliam took official visits to Auburn, Kentucky and Mississippi State.
Miami LB Marcellius Pulliam is in the transfer portal, @247Canes has learned.
— Gaby Urrutia (@GabyUrrutia247) April 30, 2024
A second-year player out of Georgia. https://t.co/R0MCXEfKzk
At 6'3 and 230 pounds, Pulliam has excellent size at LB. Pulliam is an all-around athlete who also ran track in high school. Pulliam played in all eight ACC games for Miami in 2023. Pulliam is the 25th scholarship player and the second LB from Miami to enter the 2024 transfer portal. Miami previously lost LB Kaleb Spencer.
Miami could seek to add another experienced LB in the transfer portal. Behind Alderman, Bissainthe and Mauigoa, Miami is extremely young at the position. In addition to Pruitt, Miami also signed four-star LB Adarius Hayes in the 2024 class. Miami has a commitment from four-star LB Elijah Melendez for 2025.
dark. Next. Miami football spring transfer portal departures tracker. Miami football spring transfer portal departures tracker
Expect Miami to target LB in the 2025 class to continue adding depth for the future. Mauigoa is entering his final season of eligiblity in 2024. Alderman and Bissainthe have eligiblity through 2025. Aguirre and Pruitt should be in the rotation in 2024 and compete to be starters in 2025.