The Miami secondary has exceeded expectations through the first two games of the 2024 season. Defensive back was expected to be the most vulnerable position for Miami in 2024. The Miami front seven has routinely been praised throughout the season and in the first two games.
Miami's secondary has performed exceptionally well in wins over Florida and Florida A&M. Miami is 26th nationally allowing 130.0 passing yards per game, 36th with allowing opponents to complete 53.7 percent of their pass attempts, 22nd giving up 4.8 yards attempt and sixth with a 75.63 opponents' passer rating.
Safety Jaden Harris leads Miami with 12 tackles and has 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, an interception versus Florida and a pass breakup. Cornerback Jadais Richard is fourth on Miami with seven tackles and has a forced fumble. Mishael Powell has four tackles and returned an interception 67 yards versus Florida.
Cornerback Dyoni Hill and Powell were in the top 12 graded Miami players by Pro Football Focus versus Florida via Inside the U. Hill was nine on Miami versus Florida with a 72.2 grade as he was not targeted in coverage, had one tackle and did not miss a tackle in 24 snaps.
Powell had two tackles, the interception, was targeted once in coverage without allowing a reception, generated one pressure in two pass-rushing attempts and did not miss a tackle with an 89.5 grade from PFF which was the highest for a Miami defensive player versus Florida in 56 snaps.
True freshman O.J. Frederique started versus Florida A&M with sophomore Damari Brown out with an injury. Frederique led Miami defensive players with 38 snaps. Frederique finished with two tackles, one pass breakup, did not miss a tackle and did not allow a reception on one target, finishing with a 74.4 grade from PFF, which was
Lance Guidry at the podium now. He says the secondary's early performance broke the Gators' confidence with going deep.
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) September 2, 2024
Frederique's classmate, Zaquan Patterson also started versus FAMU. Patterson recorded two tackles and a pass breakup, without allowing a reception on one target. Patterson did not miss any tackles and was third on Miami versus FAMU with an 86.7 PFF grade in 18 snaps.
Patterson finished the game with two tackles and a pass break-up. He was targeted once in coverage and did not allow a reception. Patterson did not miss a tackle during the game and earned an 86.7 coverage grade, which was the best on the team.
Cornerback Darryl Porter Jr. has lent experience for Miami as the only returning starter in the secondary. Porter and redshirt sophomore safety Markeith Williams each have three tackles. Redshirt freshman CB Robert Stafford had two tackles and a pass breakup versus FAMU.
Miami is building depth in the secondary through the first two games. With a deep wide receiver corps, Miami also moved redshirt freshman Robby Washington to defensive back this week. Porter and Powell should remain leaders as an otherwise young Miami secondary develops throughout the 2024 season.