Healthy and hungry for a breakout, junior Romanas "OJ" Frederique Jr. looks to leverage elite footwork and a massive frame to anchor the Miami Hurricanes' secondary for a championship pursuit.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Hurricanes’ scoring defense ranked fifth in the Football Bowl Subdivision at the end of last season. Whether it was the stars upfront or in the secondary, both units played to a high standard, resulting in a National Championship appearance.
Despite losing prolific defenders – safety Jakobe Thomas, edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, cornerback Keionte Scott, and All-American edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. – the Hurricanes aren’t accepting any setbacks. Minus a couple of transfer additions, Mario Cristobal and the program are relying on in-house talent to step up.
Among those looking to make a jump is Romanas “OJ” Frederique Jr. The junior cornerback is coming off a productive season but faced limitations because of injuries. He logged 19 total tackles, 12 solos and seven assists, and seven passes broken up in 10 games (nine starts).
Frederique Jr. missed the final five games of the regular season – SMU, Syracuse, North Carolina State, Virginia Tech, and Pitt – before returning to the field in the first round of the College Football Playoffs against Texas A&M. He was sidelined in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl semifinals against Ole Miss, but returned for the National Championship game.
The St. Thomas Aquinas graduate has shown great potential, but he’s only scratching the surface. Frederique Jr. has the footwork, frame (6-0 and 185 pounds), and patience to be a disruptor for any receiver lined up against him. The only real downside is the lack of interceptions – one (Nov. 2, 2024 vs Duke) in 23 total games.
Frederique Jr. has missed several turnover opportunities, including the National Championship in the first quarter. Otherwise, he has all the intangibles to be a remarkable cornerback.
The local Deerfield Beach native could be facing immense pressure ahead of the upcoming season. Frederique Jr. will be eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft, but an extra year of NCAA eligibility available. He has the platform and talent to solidify strong stock and gather attention from professional scouts.
Frederique Jr. will play a critical role for the Hurricanes’ secondary. National Championship expectations surround the Coral Gables campus. Given all the attention, it could play to Frederique Jr.’s advantage for a brighter football future.
The former three-star recruit didn’t collect several Power Four scholarships, but the in-state product could finish a three-year collegiate career on a strong note.
Frederique Jr. will be among the Hurricanes’ leaders, participated in spring practices, and is expected to be full-go for fall camp.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
