The Miami Hurricanes lose another late stringer to the transfer portal due to a lack of opportunities.
The Miami Hurricanes are less than a week away from stepping on one of the biggest stages in college football, the playoffs, facing the Texas A&M Aggies. A classic matchup of one of the biggest offenses in the nation going up against one of the best defenses in the nation. However, the calendar of college football continues to be lopsided, with the business side of it never sleeping.
The transfer portal provides a sense of player empowerment at the collegiate level. It was reported earlier that junior wide receiver Nathaniel "Ray Ray" Joseph will enter it with hopes of finding a new opportunity for more playing time on the field; now another Hurricane will join him on the journey.
Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Daylen Russell plans to enter the transfer portal. He appeared in five games this season and recorded six combined tackles, three solos and three assists, and one tackle for loss.
The 22-year-old attended Columbus High School and played football from his sophomore to senior year. He recorded 17 sacks, 157 total tackles, 94 solos and 18 assists, including 34 tackles for loss in 28 games. Russell also had a touchdown during his sophomore season.
The Miami native was a three-star recruit coming out of high school, with notable offers from other Florida programs, such as the Florida State Seminoles, Florida International University Panthers, and UCF Knights. He also had offers from outside the "Sunshine State," like the Louisville Cardinals, Nebraska Cornhuskers, West Virginia Mountaineers, and the Central Michigan Chippewas.
Russell committed to the Hurricanes on May 27th, 2023.
This season, the defensive line was led by stars junior Rueben Bain Jr. and redshirt senior Akheem Mesidor, but also got great contributions from others, such as redshirt junior Ahmad Moten, sophomore Justin Scott, sophomore Armondo Blount, and sophomore Marquise Lightfoot.
There wasn't a clear path for Russell to get extra playing time on the football field. He is one of 39 defensive linemen who are expected to enter the transfer portal and are exploring different options. It wouldn't be surprising if one of the Florida schools that were part of his recruitment process circle back on him.
Regardless, the Hurricanes' focus remains on the challenge ahead, which is the Aggies, and they hope to make a run at the National Championship.
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