Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal has reason to be optimistic about his team’s defensive prospects after Pro Football Focus (PFF) released its grades for the revamped Miami secondary. With an infusion of new talent, the Hurricanes’ defense looks poised to take a significant step forward in 2024, and PFF’s positive evaluations of the secondary offer good news for Cristobal as he continues to rebuild and strengthen his program.
The Hurricanes have worked diligently over the past year to address weaknesses in their defensive backfield, bringing in a mix of experienced transfers and highly regarded recruits. Under Cristobal’s leadership, Miami has focused on fortifying the secondary, which struggled at times in the previous seasons, particularly in coverage. After a season of intense evaluation and offseason adjustments, the unit’s progress has been evident. PFF’s grades, which are highly respected across college football, reflect the strides made by the Miami defense.
One of the most notable contributors to Miami’s secondary is transfer cornerback Jaden Davis. After a standout career at another program, Davis brought his skills to Coral Gables, and according to PFF’s analysis, he has been an immediate difference-maker. His ability to lock down wide receivers in coverage and his proficiency in reading the quarterback have helped to solidify a once-thin position for the Hurricanes. PFF graded Davis highly for his ability to minimize big plays and maintain tight coverage, a key area where Miami had faltered in the past.
In addition to Davis, Miami added safety experience with the recruitment of highly rated prospects like Kamren Kinchens. Kinchens was already a promising young player but has emerged as one of the leaders in the defensive backfield. His ability to cover ground and make plays in both the run and pass game was a key focal point for PFF’s evaluation, which awarded him solid grades in both man and zone coverage. Kinchens’ development into one of the premier defensive backs in the ACC has been critical to Miami’s defensive turnaround, and PFF’s assessment only adds to the growing optimism surrounding him.
Another key figure in the Miami secondary is veteran cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. A player with experience at both the collegiate and professional levels, Stevenson has been one of Miami’s most consistent and reliable defenders. His PFF grades reflect his ability to cover top-tier wide receivers in the ACC and his strong tackling in space. Stevenson’s leadership in the secondary, especially with the influx of new players, has provided a steadying influence and has helped to accelerate the development of the younger defensive backs.
The new-look secondary is not just about individual talent, however. Miami’s defensive coordinator, who has worked to implement a more aggressive and versatile scheme, deserves credit for maximizing the potential of these players. With a mix of man and zone coverage principles, the Hurricanes’ secondary has become more flexible, able to adjust to a variety of offensive schemes. PFF’s grades indicated that the Miami secondary has been more disciplined, with fewer blown coverages and more forced turnovers, thanks to better communication and a more organized defensive strategy.
For Mario Cristobal, these PFF grades serve as a welcome affirmation of his program’s direction. The revamped secondary is a key part of his broader efforts to restore Miami to prominence as a college football powerhouse. While recruiting and developing talent has always been a priority for Cristobal, seeing tangible improvements in his team’s performance—especially in such a crucial area as the secondary—bodes well for the future.
The positive grades for the new Miami secondary represent not just individual success but also a collective effort to build a stronger, more disciplined defense. With the foundation now set, Cristobal and the Hurricanes can look ahead to the 2024 season with confidence. A formidable secondary will allow Miami to compete at a higher level in the ACC and beyond, potentially making the Hurricanes one of the more dangerous teams in college football in the years to come. PFF’s glowing evaluation is great news for Cristobal, whose vision for Miami’s resurgence is beginning to take shape on the field.
