Why UM's Ethan O'Connor Will be the Most Impactful Amid Secondary Injuries

MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Hurricanes’ secondary is dealing with severe injuries to cornerbacks Romanas “OJ” Frederique Jr. (left shoulder), Xavier Lucas, and Ja’Boree Antoine; however, it sets up the stage for redshirt junior Ethan O’Connor to step up significantly.

Although some talking points focus on the freshmen potentially carving out a rotational role, the veterans could be heavily relied upon as the season progresses with limited availability.

O’Connor is coming off a productive season: 28 total tackles, 22 solos and six assists, 3.5 tackles for loss, and five passes broken up in 16 games (six starts).

The Irvine (Calif.) native was among the 19 transfers during the 2025 portal window.

O’Connor spent two seasons at Washington State. As a redshirt freshman, he was a consistent starter in the Cougars’ secondary. O’Connor logged 32 total tackles, 23 solos and nine assists, a tackle for loss, eight passes broken up and four interceptions (including a pick-six) in 12 passes defended.

As the Hurricanes navigate through a depleted secondary depth chart, defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman can rely on the veteran cornerback to absorb extra snaps. O’Connor is quick, can stay attached to receivers, has solid instincts, and isn’t afraid to get physical. He is what’s known in football as a “tweaker,” which is a high-energy player who makes aggressive plays and reacts with intensity.

O’Connor showed that explosiveness in the College Football Playoffs. When facing Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinals, he lifted Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss in the air, then threw him to the ground. O’Connor “saw ball, hit ball,” telling MiamiRoundtable about the play at the Hurricanes’ media day ahead of fall camp.

The secondary will need that bolt of energy while missing a couple of starters.

O’Connor has played in 37 snaps to start this season. He’s been among the top-graded Pro Football Focus defenders on the Hurricanes’ roster.

At Stanford: 71.3 (fourth-best on defense and second-best among defensive backs)

Vs. Florida A&M: 76.8 (seventh-best on defense and second-best among defensive backs)

O’Connor could emerge as a starter in Lucas and Frederique Jr.’s absences. The Hurricanes don’t stick to certain lineups, ensuring players who the coaching staff trust see playing time. O’Connor will have to prove himself behind the scenes at Greentree Practice Fields and Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility.

The Hurricanes will travel this week to North Carolina for an ACC showdown against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ESPN.

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