Miami closed the books on high school recruiting this week. The Canes will now pivot to the Transfer Portal on Monday to fill any remaining roster needs before Spring Practice in March.
Last week, we examined some possible early portal prospects on offense that might make sense for Miami. Today, we take a look at some projected portal prospects at positions of need on the defensive side of the ball.
Safety:
Miami’s safeties struggled all season with consistency, with the worst tackling safeties at the Power Four level.
Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman
At 6’/207, Thieneman has totaled six interceptions, 210 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one sack, and two forced fumbles during two seasons at Purdue. In In 2024, Thieneman played 56 percent of his snaps at free safety, totaling 104 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack and seven pass break-ups. He was targeted 32 times in passing situations, allowing 23 receptions for 285 yards with two touchdowns. His missed tackle rate was 12 percent on the year.
Defensive Tackle:
Miami is losing ton of game experience on the interior defensive line. While the Canes have some excellent young defensive tackles, they lack any significant game experience. Miami needs some experienced and proven veterans to bridge to the future.
Kentucky DT Keeshawn Silver
Miami struggled on run defense in 2024. At 6’-4”/336, Keeshawn brings beef to the interior to bolster Miami’s run defense and bridge to young Miami studs such as Ahmad Moten Sr., Josh Horton, Justin Scott and Artavius Jones.
Silver, a former five-star prospect, has turned in 640 snaps over four seasons, earning a 80.9 tackling grade with no missed tackles in 2024, per Pro Football Focus.
Linebacker:
Miami must replace starting middle linebacker Kiko Mauigoa to graduation and missed on their 2025 target.
West Virginia LB Josiah Trotter
2024 was a breakout year for the redshirt linebacker. Trotter registered 92 tackles and four tackles for loss in the middle for the Mountaineers. Josiah, a Pennsylvania native, will be a tough pull.
Cornerback:
Miami’s pass defense was the team’s weak link in 2024. The coaching staff will focus on leveling up the back end of the defense after missing on a number of elite defensive backs in the recent recruiting cycle.
Florida CB Ja'Keem Jackson:
Ja'Keem Jackson is a talented corner who fought injuries in 2024 for the Gators. At 6’-1”/190, Ja'Keem brings size, length and speed, and 13 games of SEC experience, including two starts. He has a rare combination of long limbs, verified speed, and competitiveness. He’s quick to read and diagnose and understands how to make a play.
Arkansas CB Jaylon Braxton:
At 6’-0”/190, Braxton was All-SEC freshman cornerback in 2023. Jaylon allowed just 12 catches on 29 targets for 197 yards and one touchdown while also intercepting a pass and breaking up eight more. In 2024, he started two games but dealt with leg injuries. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.
GO CANES!
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