Safety most wide open position on Miami football depth chart post-spring
The departures of three-year starting safeties Kamren Kinchens and James Williams have left a big hole on the depth chart for the Miami football team entering the 2024 season. Brian Balom, Jaden Harris and Markeith Williams return for Miami with experience playing safety.
Miami added Mishael Powell from Washington and Isaiah Taylor from Arizona at safety. Powell primarily played in the slot during spring practice. Following the departure of Vanderbilt transfer Savion Riley to Colorado after spring practice, Miami does not have a lot of experience at safety.
Taylor had a breakout redshirt freshman season in 2021 with 40 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception and three pass breakups. Taylor's numbers regressed in 2023 with 15 tackles. Taylor should compete for playing time as one of the most experienced safeties on the 2024 Miami roster.
Harris played in 10 games for Miami in 2023 with two starts while Kinchens was out with an injury in September. Harris had seven tackles and a 0.5 TFL in 2023. Entering his third season, Harris should have a significant increase in snaps in 2024.
Williams, had 15 tackles, 1.0 TFL and 1.0 pass defended in 2023. Williams showed the level he is capable of playing at with 8.0 tackles, 0.5 TFL and 1.0 pass defended in the Pinstripe Bowl versus Rutgers. As a true freshman in 2022, Williams played in four games and will be a redshirt sophomore in 2024.
Balom played in six games on special teams for Miami in 2023. Miami has depth and experience with Balom on the roster, but he is not likely to be in the safety rotation unless there is an injury. Balom has not been a part of the Miami safety rotation since his true freshman season in 2020.
The other safety to watch is four-star freshman Zaquan Patterson. Patterson has been praised with a high football IQ and the ability as a playmaker. Patterson had 47 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, 9.0 passes defended, 1.0 forced fumble and six interceptions as a senior at Chaminade-Madonna in 2023.
dark. Next. Zaquan Patterson named one of best pure football players in 2024 class. Zaquan Patterson named one of best pure football players in 2024 class
There is the potential for Patterson to make a similar impact to what Kinchens did as a freshman in 2021. Powell is likely to be one starting safety for Miami in 2024. Harris, Patterson, Taylor and Williams are the leading competitors in August training camp to be the starting safety next to Powell in 2024.