Looking At Available Transfer Offensive Lineman For Miami

National Signing Day is this week, and the Hurricanes have done a great job at beefing up lacking positions this off-season like quarterback, defensive tackle and safety through added recruiting and transfers. Though the attention has been at these glamour positions throughout the last month, offensive line depth problems are now staring Manny Diaz and his staff in the face.

The Canes will be without several starters from last years o-line, though they’ve brought in former Tampa Bay Buccaneers OL coach Butch Barry to the same position.

Miami landed offensive tackle grad transfer Tommy Kennedy from Butler as well three lineman signed in the recruiting class of 2019, but more needs to be done, and more lineman need to be added. This unit was a major concern last season, and several spots on the line will be without veterans and proven players.

Here’s a look at some of the available offensive lineman who are transferring.

Parker Braun (Georgia Tech):

Braun is someone who should be on the top of the list for several reasons. Good news for Miami is that Braun is very interested in the Hurricanes, while also having interest in the Gators, visiting UF this past weekend.

Coming in at the guard position, Braun would be a huge-get for Miami, as the Canes are looking to upgrade at that role. Aside from Navaughn Donaldson, the opposite guard position lays vacant, because I expect Corey Gaynor to take over at center. Braun is a two-time All-ACC selection at guard and a veteran starter, which is rare to find in the transfer-portal.

Jonah Jackson (Rutgers):

Jackson is another guard who would be great for Miami. Earning Big-10 Honorable Mention in 2018, Jackson is being heavily pursued by Ohio State and will visit Columbus soon.

Michael Eletise (Arizona):

Adding on to the list of guards, Eletise may not possess the accolades that Braun and Jackson have, though he did play in all 12 games in 2018 and started four of them after being recruited as a four-star. He’s seen action in 23 games.

Although he’d most likely sit out 2019, Eletise would come as a long-term investment for the next several years on Miami’s line.

Larry Boyd (Illinois):

Boyd started nine games as a freshman in 2017, and then had to take a redshirt last season due to academics, but was one of the most dominant lineman for the Illini when was on the field.

Lining up at the tackle position, Boyd would fight for the starting role against Delone Scaife, opposite Kennedy. Scaife is a sophomore in 2019 like Boyd, and started seven games last year.

Drew Richmond (Tennessee):

It’s been confusing whether or not Richmond’s name was in the transfer portal, but after seeing a report on 247sports saying he is, he makes this list.

Richmond has played both at left and right tackle on the line, starting all 12 games in 2018 and 13 games at left tackle in 2016 and 2017.

Ryan Alexander (South Alabama):

Coming from a smaller school in Mobile, Alexander is a right tackle that provides depth and experience for Miami. Alexander has started 28 games, and also was named Sun Belt Conference honorable mention. He is being heavily pursued by Syracuse and Rutgers.

There are several more such as Jacob Jiminez (BYU) and R.J. Proctor (Virginia), bottom line is that the Hurricanes need to do their best to land at least one of these guys.