With the University of Miami’s defensive backfield losing three of four starters – safeties Jaquan Johnson and Sheldrick Redwine and cornerback Michael Jackson – there’s ample opportunity for freshmen to come in and challenge for immediate playing time.
At safety, four-star freshman Keontra Smith will be given a chance to challenge Amari Carter, Gurvan Hall and Robert Knowles for a significant role.
At cornerback, Te’Cory Couch will have every opportunity to challenge second-year corners Al Blades, Gilbert Frierson, D.J. Ivey and Nigel Bethel for playing time opposite Trajan Bandy.
Smith and Couch — who have signed with UM but haven’t enrolled — were teammates at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.