Stevenson chooses Canes while McCloud, Gaynor, and Williams to return in 2021

Saturday was yet another wild day for Miami Hurricanes football with a lot of positive news that ensued. We’ve got some familiar faces coming back along with one not-so-familiar but also familiar face at the same time making a homecoming. I’m here to get you all caught up.

As expected, former Georgia DB and Miami-native Stevenson transfers back home

Earlier this week, former five-star CB Tyrique Stevenson chose to enter the transfer portal after two years at Georgia, with immediate reports connecting him to making the move closer to home at Miami. Stevenson made the official announcement on Saturday in a tweet.

It’s only up from here 🚀🖤 pic.twitter.com/KqCp4tkdKg

— The Freak 7️⃣⚡️™️ (@dreamchaserTy10) January 16, 2021

The Canes landed Stevenson, who actually chose Georgia over the Canes during the Early Signing Period in December of 2019 when he was highly recruited out of Miami Southridge. 

There were multiple reports that cited Stevenson’s desire to return to the area but two days ago, Sports Illustrated reported that he had become “unhappy” with his role on the defense. He was recruited as a cornerback, but he spent a lot of time at the STAR position in 2019, which is comparable to the nickel/slot cornerback but a little more complex. Coupled with his role in the blitz packages and according to Dawgs Daily, Stevenson would make subtle comments throughout the 2020 season about wanting to transfer.

Getting a player of Stevenson’s caliber is hugely important. He is a high-level talent that will absolutely help the team’s lack of depth at cornerback and he will still have two more years of eligibility. He has a combination of great size for his position (6’0”, 202 lbs.) and great speed (clocked at a 4.49 40 as a high school senior) who played in every game in his two years with the Bulldogs and compiled 10 PBU’s.

McCloud, Gaynor, and Williams returning in 2021

LB Zach McCloud, C Corey Gaynor, and T Jarrid Williams all announced on Saturday that they will return in 2021, with McCloud and Williams availing the special NCAA exception. 

McCloud will be a 6th-year senior who was commended for previously redshirting in 2019. He has 164 tackles in his Canes career, with 27 this past season and two sacks. It is very likely that the coaching staff will move him to defensive end in 2021 as new (and former) Miami defensive line coach Jess Simpson will have a tough task replacing the likes of Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche. 

Gaynor and Williams is incredible news for an offensive line unit that was thought to have yet another season with limited depth. Williams transferred to Miami from Houston before the 2020 season and added stability at right tackle, starting all 10 games this season. Williams will become a 7th-year senior in 2021 after redshirting twice with the Cougars.

Nothing to lose, everything to gain! pic.twitter.com/TQ5xrU0Go0

— Jarrid (@Jwill62_) January 16, 2021

Gaynor on the other hand has been a steady contributor ever since he arrived on campus in 2016. Initially, Miami had been set on Jakai Clark or even incoming freshman Ryan Rodriguez to replace Gaynor. But instead, Gaynor will be hiking the ball for the Canes for a 5th season. 

The rest of the Sixth Ring Canes crew and I will be discussing all of this AND the kind of impact new DB coach Travaris Robinson will have later today at 3 PM on a new episode of The Sixth Ring. We will also be having State of the U writer and Onside Radio host Marsh Thomas join us as he gives us his thoughts on all of the craziness. Be sure to tune in, you won’t want to miss it!