/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69480572/10303084.0.jpg)
Since Manny Diaz became the head coach at Miami, the Hurricanes have perhaps done the best job when it comes to adding players through the transfer portal. Earlier this year, UM struck gold once again, landing cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who spend his first two college seasons playing at Georgia.
It’s only up from here pic.twitter.com/KqCp4tkdKg
— The Freak 7️⃣⚡️™️ (@dreamchaserTy10) January 16, 2021
A South Florida native and 5-star prospect coming out of Miami Southridge High School, Stevenson was arguably the most important on-field addition for the Canes this off-season. A position that has lacked depth in recent years, Miami isn’t just bringing in another body at cornerback, but a player with an incredibly high ceiling, and one who could change the dynamic for the Hurricanes defense.
Miami won the transfer portal with the addition of Tyrique Stevenson (@dreamchaserTy10). He has elite traits and was very impressive on film at Georgia. Expect him to emerge as a true lockdown cornerback next season. Stevenson has the talent to become a 1st round pick. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/zXV5IDdXQs
— Jack Borowsky (@Jack_Borowsky) June 1, 2021
In his two years with Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs, Stevenson was used in the Georgia defense as a nickel cornerback, totaling 47 tackles, 2 TFLs and 1 sack. Last season, Stevenson was 5th on the Bulldogs defense with 34 tackles, while also ending the year with 5 pass breakups.
In case you haven’t been paying attention to Tyrique Stevenson since he opted for UGA two years ago, he’s still really good. When you see him bully WRs and keep his eyes on the ball in the air, it’s hard not to get excited. Huge addition. pic.twitter.com/mDiwzbK9fx
— Canes Legacy (@CanesLegacy) January 17, 2021
At 6-0 and around 215 pounds, Stevenson is tremendously gifted physically, and looks to become CB1 for the Hurricanes. During Miami’s spring game, Stevenson lined up with the first-team Hurricanes defense.
New DB Coach Travaris Robinson says Tyrique Stevenson will play CB for @CanesFootball as opposed to nickel
— Canes Warning (@CanesWarningFS) February 3, 2021
While he lined up in the slot for Georgia, Miami will use him on the outside. Alongside Al Blades Jr., DJ Ivey and Te’cory Couch, the addition of Stevenson gives the Canes solid depth and experience at cornerback.
Canes WR Mike Harley on new Canes CB Tyrique Stevenson: "He's a great competitor, a student of the game, for sure..."
— Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) March 26, 2021
Stevenson is a cornerback that can do a variety of things at the position. Strong and physical enough to defend the run, while possessing game-changing skills in coverage, Stevenson is someone who has the potential to become a top corner in the ACC.
Tyrique Stevenson | #TheU® pic.twitter.com/YYD85DJ6CB
— GO ‘CANES! (@83_87_89_91_01) May 17, 2021
“He has played in some significant games in the SEC and he has played some big time ball. He is a big time player,” said new cornerbacks coach DeMarcus Van Dyke about Stevenson.
Tyrique Stevenson | #TheU® pic.twitter.com/LLQvBI5UJD
— GO ‘CANES! (@83_87_89_91_01) April 19, 2021
247 Sports listed Stevenson as the #1 transfer cornerback in 2021, and #8 transfer player overall. Athlon Sports has Stevenson 3rd-team All-ACC conference in their preseason rankings.
GREAT JOB!!
— OO (@_OOLLIE_) January 1, 2021
Tyrique Stevenson @dreamchaserTy10 pic.twitter.com/iGxpyKRFGW
So obviously, the talent is clearly there for Stevenson, and personally, I think Miami could have their next star cornerback on their hands. Another reason why I believe Stevenson will excel at UM is the arrival of new defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson.
Really nice play here by a T-Rob coached DB. One of my favorite DB's to watch in 2020 was Jaycee Horn.
— Arturo (@CaneFilms) January 8, 2021
If you want to see a DB put clamps on someone watch Horn Vs Seth Williams. Was a clinic.
All T-Robs guys are coached so well. https://t.co/gv7md2NWhY
A proven track record of developing DB’s at the college level, T-Rob recently helped coach cornerback Jaycee Horn at South Carolina, who was the #8 overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in this years NFL Draft.
Jaycee Horn FIRST DB off the board. T-Rob product
— United Canedom (@UnitedCanedom) April 30, 2021
Though he’s only made four career starts in his first two years playing college football, Stevenson is a player who I expect will progress each week as the 2021 season goes on, similar to what Bubba Bolden or Jaelan Phillips did in 2020. I’m not saying Stevenson is going to explode on to the scene and become a first-round pick in next years draft like Phillips, but I do think he’s the playmaker cornerback Miami has been searching for.