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Miami freshman CB OJ Frederique standing out for his competitiveness

Miami defensive coordinator Lance Guidry praised freshman cornerback OJ Frederique standing out of his competitiveness.

By Alan Rubenstein

Oct 28, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal takes on the field prior to a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal takes on the field prior to a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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At a position without a lot of depth for the Miami football team, freshman cornerback OJ Frederique has impressed defensive coordinator Lance Guidry during training camp. Frederique has quickly outplayed his status as a three-star 2024 signee. Frederique was the 779th prospect, 67th CB and 108th player in Florida in the 2024 class.

Mario Cristobal and Guidry have shown a willingness to play freshman and particularly at CB. Damari Brown played in 10 games as a true freshman in 2023 and started the final three games. Frederique is the lone true CB listed in the 2024 Miami class by 247Sports.

Dylan Day and Ryan Mack signed with Miami in the 2024 class as safeties per 247Sports, but are expected to play CB in college. Day and Mack were higher rated than Frederique as 2024 signees. Miami added a lot of depth in the secondary in their 2024 class. Brown and Darryl Porter Jr. are the Miami starting CBs.

Frederique is pushing for a spot as the second-team CB. Miami brought in Dyoni Hill as a transfer from Marshall. Redshirt freshman Robert Stafford will also push for snaps this season. Frederique has made a statement during training camp. Guidry discussed on Monday why Frederique has been impressive during training camp.

"I remember one of the first days that he was here in fall camp, he went up against a wide receiver, covered him and didn’t back down there...Just the ability to play the ball down the field and not panic, looking back for the ball, and not playing scared...He’s big. He’s more physical than you think. So as a freshman to come in and not blink like that really is not common. So we’re really excited about him."

- Miami defensive coordinator Lance Guidry

Frederique is 6'0 and 180 pounds. As a true freshman, Frederique has already shown the confidence that is usually reserved for more experienced players. As a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas in 2023 Frederique had 22 tackles and 10 pass breakups. Frederique has shown the attributes and skills Cristobal covets in his players.

Next. Miami football post-spring two-deep CB depth chart appears set. Miami football post-spring two-deep CB depth chart appears set. dark

How much Frederique plays versus Florida in the season opener on Saturday is likely to be dictated by how the game progresses. If Miami gets an early lead, Florida would likely have to throw more often. Guidry could go to a sixth defensive back in his 4-2-5 defense. Frederique would likely be one of the first CBs to enter the game.

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