Miami Hurricanes 2024 Position Review: Defensive Back and SOTU Award: Worst Unit

The Miami Hurricanes enter the 2024 season with a roster filled with promise, but also some lingering question marks—particularly in their defensive backfield. After several seasons of high expectations and middling results, the unit’s inconsistency has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. As Miami embarks on another campaign in the ACC, one of the most pressing questions surrounds the performance of the defensive backs (DBs). Are they equipped to support the team’s championship aspirations, or will they continue to be a weak point that undermines Miami’s success?

In this review, we’ll analyze the defensive backfield position for Miami in 2024, diving into the strengths and weaknesses of the unit, key players, and the areas of concern that need to be addressed. Alongside this, we will discuss the State of the Unit (SOTU) award, acknowledging the worst unit on the team. The defensive backs have been a weak link for Miami in recent years, and after the departure of key players and an overall underperformance, the SOTU award for 2024 may be one that this unit rightfully claims.

1. The Importance of the Defensive Backfield in Miami’s Defensive Scheme

Before diving into the specifics of the Miami defensive backs in 2024, it’s important to understand the broader role of the DBs in the team’s defensive scheme. Head coach Mario Cristobal, along with defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, has emphasized a balanced and aggressive defense, one that requires the DBs to play a key role in both pass coverage and supporting the run. Miami’s 4-3 defense, a traditional base defense, often relies on its secondary to not only lock down opposing receivers but to also provide run support when needed.

Given the uptempo style of many teams in the ACC, Miami’s secondary has been tested constantly. This means the defensive backs need to excel in coverage skills, reading the quarterback, and tackling in open space—all while being able to cover both outside receivers and slot receivers. The modern college football game demands that defensive backs be versatile, and Miami’s 2024 DB unit is poised to answer this challenge—or fall short.

2. 2024 Overview of the Miami Defensive Backfield

Heading into the 2024 season, the Miami Hurricanes secondary has undergone some changes. There has been a combination of incoming transfers, promising young talent, and returning players who will need to step up if Miami hopes to compete for an ACC title and beyond.

Key Returning Players

1. James Williams – Safety: One of the most highly touted recruits in recent years, James Williams has shown flashes of brilliance since arriving at Miami. The 6’5” safety brings a physical presence to the back end, capable of being both a hard hitter in run support and a reliable coverage option. However, his inconsistency has been a notable issue, particularly in coverage. Williams has the potential to be one of the best in the nation, but for Miami’s secondary to succeed, he must make a significant leap in 2024. His ability to read the game and be in the right position to make plays will be a key factor in determining the overall success of Miami’s defensive backfield.

2. Tyrique Stevenson – Cornerback: Another key player returning for Miami in 2024 is Tyrique Stevenson, a veteran cornerback who has become a staple of the defense. Stevenson has proven to be a strong tackler, a physical corner, and a player who can match up with the best receivers in the ACC. His experience will be invaluable in 2024, but consistency is key. If Stevenson is able to lock down top-tier wide receivers on a regular basis and show better coverage against faster and more precise passing attacks, he could emerge as one of the most dominant corners in college football.

Key Departures

While there are notable returners, the Hurricanes secondary has also experienced key departures that have left gaps in their depth chart:

1. DJ Ivey – Cornerback: A long-time contributor to Miami’s defense, DJ Ivey has been a key figure in the secondary over the past few seasons. However, he struggled with consistency, and his departure has left the team with a significant void at the cornerback position. Ivey’s absence places even more pressure on returning players like Stevenson to step up and lead the unit.

2. Cam Kitchens – Safety: Another notable departure is Cam Kitchens, who played an essential role in the secondary during his tenure at Miami. Kitchens was a physical and reliable presence in the secondary, but his lack of high-level playmaking and occasional missed tackles were concerns for the coaching staff. Miami’s need for a more dynamic and consistent playmaker in the secondary becomes even more pressing after Kitchens’ departure.

Incoming Transfers and Newcomers

The Hurricanes have made a conscious effort to shore up their secondary through the transfer portal and recruiting. While some of the newer players will need time to develop, the addition of a few key players could help revitalize the defensive backfield.

1. Jaden Harris – Cornerback (Transfer from Georgia): A key transfer acquisition, Jaden Harris from Georgia will immediately bolster Miami’s depth in the secondary. Harris has played at a high level in the SEC, one of the toughest conferences in college football, and he brings the physicality and skills required to contribute right away. His presence should help fill the gap left by DJ Ivey and provide more stability at the cornerback position.

2. Kamari Rogers – Cornerback (Freshman): The freshman Kamari Rogers has the potential to be a key contributor for Miami in 2024. Rogers has shown great promise as a recruit, with high-end speed, ball skills, and an ability to make plays in the backfield. He’ll likely play a significant role, though he may need time to adjust to the college game at this level. The addition of Kamari Rogers brings an exciting and youthful energy to the unit.

3. Strengths and Weaknesses of the Defensive Backfield in 2024

Strengths

• Veteran Leadership: Miami’s secondary has experienced players like Tyrique Stevenson who bring leadership and high-level experience. With several seasons of ACC football under his belt, Stevenson can match up with a variety of receiving threats, and his veteran presence will be critical in mentoring younger players like Kamari Rogers.
• Physicality: One of the strengths of the 2024 Miami secondary is its physicality. With players like James Williams and Tyrique Stevenson, Miami has the size and aggressiveness to compete with both big-bodied wide receivers and speedsters. Williams is capable of being a force in the run game, while Stevenson’s ability to press receivers at the line of scrimmage gives Miami the potential to stifle passing games early on.

Weaknesses

• Inconsistency: The biggest weakness of Miami’s secondary heading into 2024 is inconsistency. Players like James Williams have shown glimpses of being elite players, but the lack of consistency in coverage and execution has been a significant issue. Miami has also struggled in coverage assignments, with blown coverages and missed tackles becoming a recurring theme in recent seasons.
• Depth: Another area of concern for Miami is the depth of the secondary. Outside of the starting four or five players, Miami lacks proven depth. If key players like Stevenson or Williams suffer injuries, Miami may struggle to find competent replacements, leaving the defense vulnerable. While there are young players with potential, the lack of experience across the board could lead to growing pains.
• Playmaking: One of the most concerning aspects of Miami’s secondary has been the lack of playmaking ability. The Hurricanes have struggled to generate turnovers, including interceptions and forced fumbles, at the rate they need to stay competitive. In a modern college football landscape where turnovers are often the difference between victory and defeat, Miami needs more from their defensive backs to disrupt the passing game and make big plays.

4. State of the Unit (SOTU) Award: Worst Unit of 2024

Unfortunately, based on the aforementioned weaknesses, Miami’s defensive backfield could very well find itself claiming the 2024 State of the Unit (SOTU) Award for being the worst unit on the team. While the Hurricanes’ defense as a whole may improve under the leadership of Lance Guidry, the secondary has shown significant vulnerability, particularly in recent seasons.

Despite individual talent such as Tyrique Stevenson and James Williams, the group has failed to consistently meet expectations. In particular, the Hurricanes have struggled to match up with elite quarterbacks and wide receivers in the ACC—something that has held the program back from reaching the next level in both conference and national play.

Without better coverage and improved playmaking, Miami’s defense may continue to falter, especially if the defensive backs fail to contain the prolific passing attacks of teams like Clemson, FSU, and North Carolina in the upcoming season.

5. Conclusion: Can Miami’s Secondary Turn It Around in 2024?

Heading into the 2024 season, the Miami Hurricanes defensive backfield remains a question mark. While there is talent in place, it is clear that inconsistency, depth issues, and a lack of dynamic playmaking ability are significant concerns. To compete at a high level in the ACC and beyond, Miami’s defensive backs must step up and deliver on their potential.

The SOTU Award for 2024 may indeed be claimed by the secondary if it fails to make the necessary improvements. However, with the right leadership, development from younger players, and more focus on consistency, the Hurricanes could find themselves in a position to surprise critics and elevate the unit’s play in the coming season. For now, though, the state of the unit remains a significant concern for Miami heading into 2024.