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Welcome to the U, Ousman Traore

Miami works the Transfer Portal again to add a talented JUCO OL to the roster

State of the U Illustration by Mike Meredith

Miami got a big addition to the roster on Friday morning when reports broke that Hutchinson (KS) C.C. offensive lineman Ousman Traore had committed to the Hurricanes.

A massive player at 6’4” 337lbs, the Hapeville (GA) Charter alum Ousman went public with his commitment on Friday after having informed the coaches of his decision on Thursday during his official visit. As indicated by both reports above, Ousman will enroll at Miami for Summer B session (which starts on July 1, for those wondering) and is immediately eligible with 3 years remaining to play.

This move indicates 2 things to me: 1. Traore has the kind of talent Miami desires in their OL players, and 2. Miami is not set with a starting 5 (or even top 8-9) on the OL for the 2019 season. Traore is admittedly a bit raw, having only played 1 year at a JUCO, but he’s got size, strength, and plenty of potential, which Miami will try to develop into production.

Traore picked Miami over LSU, who was also recruiting him. LSU was said to view Traore as a 2020 recruit, not a 2019 immediate addition, and that was a big part of him choose the Canes over the Tigers.

Traore will work to find a spot on Miami’s OL for this upcoming season. With only 2 players returning with major starting experience at this level — Navaughn Donaldson and Delone Scaife — the are open spots to be won along the line.

A first team All-Conference player who started 11 games for Hutchinson C.C. last year, Traore joins several other Georgia natives on Miami’s roster, including DeeJay Dallas, Za’lontae Hillery, Realus George, and Jarren Williams, among others.

For a look at the player Miami has added in Traore, take a look at the HUDL highlights below:

Welcome to the U, Ousman!