Mario Cristobal's debut at Miami was a disappointment, as the Hurricanes finished 5-7 and lost their last four games by 20 or more points. However, Cristobal wasn't brought in for just a one-year fix. Miami will certainly be patient with the former 'Canes lineman as he rebuilds this program back into one that can consistently contend in the ACC. Although Cristobal has a lot of work ahead, the transfer portal will certainly speed up the rebuilding process. Miami is set to bring in double-digit transfers, including impact additions along the offensive and defensive lines, as well as a couple of crucial pickups in the secondary.
Which players are the biggest and most important additions for Miami through the transfer portal? Athlon Sports breaks down the transfers for the Hurricanes' offense and defense in 2023:
Miami Football: The Hurricanes' Most Important Transfer Portal Additions on Offense and Defense for 2023
Offense
Best Offensive Addition:OL Javion Cohen (from Alabama)
Improving the offensive line tops the list of priorities for Cristobal this offseason. And certainly adding two impact players from the portal and help from the recruiting trail will immediately provide a boost in '23. Cohen should instantly upgrade one of the guard spots after starting 25 games in Tuscaloosa and earning second-team All-SEC honors in '22.
McCormick is a fascinating story, as the '23 season marks his eighth year of eligibility. He's lost chunks or the entire part of four years due to injury and has another season left after '23. McCormick caught 18 passes for 169 yards in his career at Oregon.
OL Matt Lee (from UCF)
Lee should be penciled in as Miami's starting center for '23 after starting 35 games over the last three years at UCF.
Defense
Best Defensive Addition:Â LB Francisco Mauigoa (from Washington State)
Linebacker play has been uneven at Miami for the last couple of seasons, but Mauigoa's arrival could give this unit much-needed stability in the middle. He tallied 60 tackles (5.5 for a loss) and 3.5 sacks for the Cougars in '22.Â
Gore wreaked havoc on Sun Belt offensive lines while at Georgia State, finishing his stint with 93 tackles (22 for a loss) and 11 sacks. Leonard Taylor III will be penciled in as a starter at one tackle spot, but the other is up for grabs. Even if Gore doesn't start, he will see plenty of snaps.
DL Branson Deen (from Purdue)
Along with Thomas Gore, Deen will add needed bulk to the interior of Miami's defensive front. He played in 39 games at Purdue and recorded 15.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks.Â
LB Rocky Shelton (from Duke)
Shelton - a native of Fort Lauderdale - returned home for his final season of eligibility. He played in 36 games with the Blue Devils and registered 48 tackles (4.5 for a loss) from 2018-22.
DB Davonte Brown (from UCF)
The 'Canes lost both of their starting cornerbacks (Tyrique Stevenson and DJ Ivey) this offseason, so this position is clearly a question mark going into spring ball. Brown arrives in Coral Gables after starting 30 games at UCF and is expected to push for a starting nod with the departures from '22. Over the last two seasons with the Knights, Brown broke up 17 passes and intercepted three.
DB Terry Roberts (from Iowa)
As mentioned above, cornerback is a major area of need for Miami this offseason, so it's no surprise Cristobal and the defensive staff landed a couple from the portal to provide help. Roberts is one of the options for new coordinator Lance Guidry, as he arrives in Coral Gables after playing in 33 games with the Hawkeyes (and registering 47 tackles and seven pass breakups.
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