Miami football vaults over 20 spots in transfer rankings with weekend commitments

The Miami football program had a big weekend hosting transfers that paid off in a 24-hour span on Saturday and Sunday. Miami received commitments from Oregon State running back Damien Martinez on Saturday night, Louisville linebacker Jaylin Alderman, Marshall cornerback Dyani Hill and Houston wide receiver Sam Brown on Sunday.

The additions of Martinez, Alderman, Hill and Brown propelled Miami to the 10th-ranked 247Sports transfer class. Alderman, Brown and Martinez project as starters for Miami. Hill should compete in August training camp for the third CB in the Miami rotation.

Martinez is the highest-ranked transfer to Miami in 2024. The former first-team All-Pac 12 honoree is the 33rd-ranked transfer overall and second RB. Martinez ran for 2,167 yards and 16 touchdowns with 15 receptions for 187 yards in two seasons at Oregon State. The addition of Martinez helps Miami stabilize the RB room.

Alderman was the second transfer commit of the weekend on Sunday. Miami LB coach Derek Nicholson recruited Alderman to Louisville. Alderman had a breakout season in 2023 with 62 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two pass breakups. Alderman is the favorite to start at LB with Francisco Mauigoa and Wesley Bissainthe.

Hill provides Miami with depth as the 827th-ranked transfer and 107th CB in the portal for 2024. Damari Brown and Darryl Porter Jr. are the projected starting CBs for Miami post-spring practice. Hill will compete with rising junior Jadais Richard to be the third CB for Miami in 2024.

Brown is the third of the four transfers to Miami this weekend to have previously played for a coach on the Hurricanes' staff. Hill played for defensive coordinator Lance Guidry and CBs coach Chevis Jackson at Marshall. Brown played for Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson at Houston in 2022.

Brown is the 60th-ranked overall transfer and 10th WR in the 247Sports composite. In two seasons with Houston, Brown had 103 receptions for 1.286 yards and seven TDs. Brown will start at WR for Miami with Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George. Miami is likely not finished adding transfers this spring.

Miami is hosting Michigan State defensive tackles, Simeon Barrow and Derrick Harmon on Monday. If Miami can add either Barrow, Harmon, or both they will complete an elite defensive line. Miami is exceptionally deep at edge rusher. The Hurricanes need to add more DL depth. The next few days could continue to be busy for Miami.