ACC Football: Every team’s most important newcomers for 2021

Dabo Swinney, Clemson football (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Dabo Swinney, Clemson football (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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Dec 29, 2020; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz (green shirt) leads his team on the field before the game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Miami Hurricanes Cheez-It Bowl Game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports.
Dec 29, 2020; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz (green shirt) leads his team on the field before the game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Miami Hurricanes Cheez-It Bowl Game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports.

Miami Hurricanes (8-3)

The Hurricanes look to take the next step and content in the ACC Coastal division this fall. With D’Eriq King coming back for his final year, the Hurricanes need the skill positions to develop. Also, the Hurricanes need to replace the production of the defensive end firm of Rosseau, Phillips, and Roche.

For Miami to take the next step, the receiver has to improve and push the ball down the field. These three players will contribute and see snaps this fall.

  • Charleston Rambo (transfer), WR: The Oklahoma transfer upgrades the Miami receiver room instantly. Rambo gives the Hurricanes something they do not have, a legitimate deep threat who can take the top off a defense. Though there was no room for Rambo at Oklahoma, there is plenty of room for him in Coral Gables.
  • Tyrique Stevenson (transfer), CB: Stevenson helps shore up a secondary that way too many big plays on the back end. If the pass rush did not get to the quarterback, too many passes went over the head of Hurricane defensive backs. Stevenson brings a pedigree from Georgia and is a natural center-field type of safety who is comfortable being the last defender. Stevenson upgrades the defensive backfield and will see snaps this fall.
  • Leonard Taylor, DT: Though Taylor is not set to arrive until later this month, he might be the most talented defensive linemen the Hurricanes have right now. Taylor is in the mold of iconic Miami defensive linemen like the late Jerome Brown and Warren sap, a combination of size, strength, speed, and athleticism. Barring injury, Miami will have with Taylor having him for three and not four years.