Coach Mario Cristobal eyes a defensive boost as the standout transfer nears a comeback, fortifying a depleted secondary just in time for Saturday's critical clash against Clemson.
MIAMI, Fla. – In Monday’s media availability, head coach Mario Cristobal shed light on the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes’ thin secondary.
Junior cornerback Xavier Lucas, who suffered an undisclosed injury at practice, is “possibly” returning this Saturday at South Carolina against the Clemson Tigers. He played in the Hurricanes’ season opener against Stanford and has been sidelined since then.
“He’s getting closer,” Cristobal said. “Not all the way there yet. Hopefully, good news later this week. There’s been a lot of progress – works his butt off, but not all the way there. Hopefully by late tomorrow or Wednesday early, we’ll know.”
Unlike last week, before Saturday’s game against Central Michigan, there will be an injury report available heading into this weekend’s Atlantic Coast Conference primetime matchup.
Lucas is one of three cornerbacks, along with junior Romanas “OJ” Frederique Jr. and sophomore Ja’Boree Antoine, to miss a majority of the season thus far. He’s been a primary starter for the Hurricanes going back to last season. Lucas logged 45 total tackles, 30 solos and 15 assists, two tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, eight passes broken up and an interception in nine passes defended.
The Pompano Beach (Fla.) native was among the 19 incoming transfers ahead of the 2025 college football season, coming from Wisconsin.
Lucas’ return gives the Hurricanes depth in the secondary, which has seen sophomore rising star Bryce Fitzgerald move from safety to cornerback. Also, redshirt junior Ethan O’Connor, who started against Wake Forest and Central Michigan, is playing with tremendous confidence. After grabbing the Hurricanes’ first interception, he was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded cornerback.
The American Heritage alumnus has a lengthy 6-2 and 203-pound frame that can be disruptive in the passing game. Lucas has the speed and mobility to stay attached to wide receivers and contest catches without drawing penalties.
After missing the last three games, the Hurricanes have the fourth-best scoring defense among Football Bowl Subdivision programs. They’ve allowed an average of nine opposing points, giving up just four total touchdowns and 36 total points thus far.
Outside of a cluttered performance against LSU, Clemson has scored over 20 points in each of their last three games – against Georgia Southern, UNC, and Cal. Freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds has taken over the offense in place of senior Christopher Vizzina, who is sidelined with a left elbow (non-throwing arm) injury.
In the last three games, the 19-year-old has completed 50 of 78 passes (64.1 percent) and thrown for 499 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Reynolds can extend plays with his legs – rushed 36 times for 92 yards.
Lucas’ return could provide a bigger challenge for Clemson’s passing game. An update on the veteran cornerback’s status will be provided throughout the week. The Hurricanes will face the Tigers at Death Valley with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. E.T. and televised on ABC.
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
