Miami football weekend hosting moves

This is a key weekend for Miami’s football program with potential transfers taking place. The number of transfers and who will visit Miami this weekend varies according to the media. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal stated in December that defensive tackle and wide receiver are the priority in the transfer portal.

Miami has added DTs Branson Deen from Purdue and Thomas Gore from Georgia State. Deen and Gore are more adept at rushing the passer than stopping the run. Adding a generous fill rate remains Miami’s priority on the transfer portal. Miami has not added any transfers to its 2023 roster.

According to CaneSport’s Matt Shodell “DL Tywone Malone (Mississippi transfer visits Thursday through Friday), OL Amaury Wiggins (Coffeyville Kan. CC), LB Larry Nixon III (North Texas transfer) and DT Keivie Rose (Louisiana Tech transfer)” everyone is expected to visit Coral Gables this weekend.

Other outlets have reported that Nebraska running back Ajay Allen, Shodell-profiled junior college WR Shamar Kirk and Vanderbilt defensive back Jadais Richard will also visit the Miami football program this weekend. Transfers will visit and make decisions after the portal closes on April 30.

Malone in 2021 and Richard in 2022 were four-star signees in their respective classes. In two seasons at Mississippi, Malone had 13 tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks and two pass breakups. Richard He had six tackles, one TFL, one sack and two pass breakups as a freshman at Vanderbilt in 2022.

Allen has four years of eligibility remaining after suffering a season-ending injury after four games as a true freshman in 2022. With just four games played last season, Allen retained full eligibility. Allen ran for 190 yards on 5.8 yards per carry and two touchdowns at Nebraska in 2022.

Nixon improved each season in North Texas. In 2022, Nixon had 105 tackles, 2.5 TFL, one sack and five quarterback hits. The LB depth on Miami’s football roster is extremely young, with three players at the position signed in 2023. Nixon could challenge returning starter Wesley Bissainthe for snaps at LB in 2023.

Wiggins is a 6’4, 310 interior offensive lineman from Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. Rose has been a consistent player through all three seasons at Louisiana Tech with 73 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles in three years with the Bulldogs. Malone or Rose would fill a big need.

Miami will likely add at least two more transfers to its 2023 roster. The Hurricanes need to add depth at DT and RB. Miami’s receivers improved in spring practice, but the Hurricanes still need a playmaker at the position. Cristobal and his staff have been careful with the portal, adding quality over quantity.