Adrian Colbert: A Season in Review

When fortunate luck comes your way it's usually best not to question its origin. You except it for what it is continuing on in stride. During the 2016 off-season when Miami had a need at the cornerback position, it was a huge break for the program to be the final destination for graduate transfer CB Adrian Colbert. The former Texas Longhorn DB and native of Mineral Wells, Texas left the his home state to finish his college career on a high note. Having been a 4-star recruit in 2011-'12, Colbert committed to then Texas Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz to wear the burnt Orange and White. It was another former 'Horn in Ephraim Banda that helped convince the senior to take his talents from Austin to Coral Gables.

Colbert came over having played Safety for the majority of his collegiate career, and given the wealth of talent at the position was willing to make a go of it as a corner at Miami. Corn Elder was cemented as the Canes' best at the position, however after that there were jobs open as the 2nd and 3rd on the depth chart to be claimed. Having made plays in fall practice, Colbert made an immediate impression on his new teammates and justifying his old UT connections in the Gables. Colbert looked to extend those good vibes to the regular season, which he did in the first game of the season against Florida A&M, snagging his second career interception.

Unfortunately the injury monster comes calling for all. Colbert went down the following week before the second game of the season against FAU with a torn meniscus in his left knee. Remarkably, he only missed the following two games, and returned for ACC play against Georgia Tech. Gradually working himself back into the best form a player can get during a season, providing support in coverage that was heavily yearned for. Colbert's hits were "hit stick" worthy in some instances, drawing 'flexin' reactions as he walked away and celebrated with teammates.

However, Colbert would suffer yet another injury setback during the Notre Dame game. He would leave the game with a broken forearm that would require surgery to be repaired. The injury would cost him the final four games of the regular season. Piling up those injuries like Colbert did in 2016, it's incredible that he was able to come back for Miami's bowl game in Orlando. Towards the end of the beatdown, he delivered a lasting Mortal Kombat-esque tackle on a West Virginia player to finish the game.

Colbert stat lines will not light the world on fire, 22 tackles (13 solo, 9 assists), 2.5 tackles for loss, 3 pass break-ups and 1 INT. Adrian Colbert brought it when he was healthy enough to be on the field. He came to the program and instead of being about trying to get just his, he added to what was already at the position.

What's in store for 2017

Colbert as mentioned before has already graduated in Corporate Communications, now he will look to his next challenge, graduating to play professional football. Colbert embarked on the road to the draft by participating in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

There has been no mention of his draft stock at this point in time from the major services, but there remains plenty of time to sway favour and turn heads before April. Having converted to play CB after being a safety for most of this career, his versatility and willingness to do what he can to play will endear him to some team. We wish him the best as he continues his football career.