As injuries deplete the Miami Hurricanes' depth, the nation's highest-graded cornerback fuels the defensive unit with lockdown coverage and a game-sealing takeaway.
MIAMI, Fla. – As the No. 6 Miami Hurricanes continue to navigate through injuries in the secondary, redshirt junior cornerback Ethan O’Connor has stepped up to the plate.
Romanas “OJ” Frederique Jr., Xavier Lucas, and Ja’Boree Antoine are sidelined for extended periods. Although the Hurricanes’ depth is tested, O’Connor is known for making physical and high-motor plays. He made a statement in last Friday’s 33-20 win over Wake Forest by grabbing the game-sealing interception.
It’s the Hurricanes’ first takeaway of the season. Rather than gaining bragging rights, O’Connor wants the play to motivate the rest of the secondary, especially in a time of adversity.
“I just hope that motivates my guys to come match me,” he said in Wednesday’s media availability via Zoom. “Of course, I want to keep getting interceptions, but I would much rather have my guys come match me and keep making plays with me.”
O’Connor is currently the highest-graded cornerback (85.4) in college football, according to Pro Football Focus. He has a couple of outstanding rankings, such as an 82.2 in tackling and 86.9 in coverage. On five targets, O’Connor has allowed three catches for 32 yards.
Last season, the Irvine (Calif.) native didn’t have an interception. O’Connor did log 28 total tackles, 22 solos and six assists, 3.5 tackles for loss, and five passes broken up in 16 games (six starts). He played a big role in the Hurricanes’ historic run to the National Championship game.
O’Connor’s intensity will need to show up every week, especially minus three cornerbacks, including two usual starters, Frederique Jr. and Lucas. He’s proven to be a disruptor in the passing game. O’Connor can stick close to opposing wide receivers and get them off route. He hasn’t drawn a pass interference penalty this season thus far.
Despite allowing three touchdowns from Wake Forest, the Hurricanes still have the 13th-best scoring defense among Football Bowl Subdivision programs. However, the secondary still has some moving pieces. Bryce Fitzgerald, who started the season at safety, logged 53 snaps last Friday at cornerback. Omar Thornton struggled in pass coverage; he allowed five catches on six targets for 55 yards and two touchdowns. The junior corner/nickelback made up for it by blitzing and carving out six pressures and two hits on quarterback Gio Lopez.
The Hurricanes could call on freshmen to absorb some snaps, such as Camdin Portis, Jaelen Waters, and Chris Ewald Jr., among others.
JJ Dunnigan, who has been one of the biggest standouts from the 2026 recruiting class, has logged 32 snaps at nickelback this season. Although he will primarily be used at safety, lining up near the line of scrimmage is another option.
The Hurricanes will learn more about how to navigate with a thin secondary this Saturday against Central Michigan at Hard Rock Stadium. O’Connor will likely stay in the starting lineup and potentially finish with more plays.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
