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CanesCounty – Miami Football: Ranking the top five defensive backs going into spring

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CanesCounty  –  Miami Football: Ranking the top five defensive backs going into spring


5. Damari Brown 

Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Chris Bell (0) catches the football against Miami Hurricanes defensive back Damari Brown (6) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.

The defensive back room is perhaps the most intriguing going into spring football practice. The departure of starters Kamren Kinchens, James Williams, Jaden Davis, and Te’Cory Couch to enter the NFL, and Davonte Brown transferring to Florida State, leaves plenty of opportunity for returning players and transfers to make significant contributions.

Jaden Harris and Markeith Williams will definitely be in the mix for playing time, and both could emerge this spring to take the next step in development. Harris excels in tackling, receiving an 82.7 tackling grade (four games), while Williams received his highest grade in run defense (77.5 in three games) from Pro Football Focus.

Kaleb Spencer and Arizona transfer Isaiah Taylor will also push for playing time on defense and special teams. Demetrius Freeney also could push for playing time after recovering from injury last season.

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The 2024 signees Zaquan Patterson, Ryan Mack, OJ Frederique, and Dylan Day will likely need a year to develop to the college level.

One of the key returners is sophomore Damari Brown. The Miami coaches showed plenty of confidence in Brown during his freshman season, allowing him to play 445 total snaps with 331 on defense.

Brown went through some growing pains, but his potential is high with his solid frame (6’2,” 195) and physical style.

According to PFF, Brown needs to improve in tackling, scoring a 43.5 season grade in that area, his lowest among all categories. Brown excels in coverage (65.3 season grade), scoring his best grade against NC State on 15 coverage snaps. He’s in line to be CB2 for Miami this season.

4. Savion Riley

(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Vanderbilt safety Savion Riley (21) plays against Alabama A&M in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.

Savion Riley, the transfer from Vanderbilt, adds much-needed experience to the position. Riley played 413 total snaps last season, with 343 on defense. He totaled 43 total tackles (34 solo) and graded with an 81.8 tackling grade in the season finale against Tennessee.

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Riley could get the start at safety but will have to hold off Harris, Williams, and others for the spot.

3. Jadais Richard

Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Hurricanes defensive back Markeith Williams (15) and Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jadais Richard (25) react to a missed field goal by Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter at Yankee Stadium.

Jadais Richard seemed to get better and better as the year progressed last season. Also, a transfer from Vandy, Richard played 372 total snaps with 187 on defense.

His season grades (Defense – 67.7, Run Defense – 76.2, Tackling – 85.7, Pressure – 55.9, Coverage 65.5) were impressive among his peers, so he lands third on this list. He is a well-rounded player who can play safety, corner, or the slot, making him a valuable piece of this Miami defense.

2. Mishael Powell

Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Huskies safety Mishael Powell (3) celebrates an interception of a Michigan State Spartans pass in the first quarter at Spartan Stadium.

Miami did well to land Washinton transfer Mishael Powell. The former Husky brings a wealth of experience, having played in the College Football Playoff and national championship game last season.

Powell played 1,005 total snaps, with 878 on defense last season.

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In 2023, he tallied 38 total tackles (29 solo), defended six passes, and snagged three interceptions, including one return for a touchdown against Arizona State that changed the game and helped seal that victory for UW.

It would be surprising if Powell did not get one of the starting safety spots in the 2024 season.

1. Darryl Porter Jr.

(AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Miami’s Daryl Porter, Jr. during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Daryl Porter Jr. will be highly dependent upon to lock down one side of the field, much like he did in 2023. In eight games, he totaled 21 total tackles (14 solo), fourth among returning Hurricanes.

The West Virginia transfer many times re-routed wide receivers from catching the football last season. Porter Jr. ranked 18th among 2025 draft-eligible corners in coverage.

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Miami Heat-Minnesota Timberwolves Final Injury Update: Anthony Edwards’ status divulged

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Miami Heat-Minnesota Timberwolves Final Injury Update: Anthony Edwards’ status divulged


The Minnesota Timberwolves announced that guard Anthony Edwards is now available to play in Tuesday night’s game against the Miami Heat after originally being listed as questionable with right foot injury maintenance.

Here’s the rest of the injury report and game preview:


INJURY REPORT

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HEAT

Tyler Herro: Available – Toe

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Jaime Jaquez Jr.: Out – Ankle

Nikola Jovic: Available – Groin

Terry Rozier: Out – Not with team

TIMBERWOLVES

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Anthony Edwards: Available – Foot

Terrence Shannon Jr.: Out – Foot

Joan Beringer: Out – G League


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Game date, time and location: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 8:00 p.m. EST, Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

TV: TV: Peacock,

Radio: 104.3 FM (Miami/Ft. Lauderdale), ESPN 106.3 FM, (West Palm Beach), FOX Sports Radio 105.9 FM (Ft. Myers/Naples), 1450 AM (Suart), 97.7 FM (Florida Keys), WAQI 710 AM (Spanish-language broadcast, South Florida) 100.3 FM (Minnesota)

VITALS: The Miami Heat (20-16) and Minnesota Timberwolves (23-13) meet for the second and final regular season matchup after just facing off three days ago with Minnesota recording a, 125-115, win in Miami on January 3. The teams split the series, 1-1, last season with each squad winning on the road. The Heat are 36-35 all-time versus Minnesota during the regular season,
including 19-16 in home games and 17-19 in road games.

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PROJECTED STARTERS

HEAT

G Davion Mitchell

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G Tyler Herro

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C Bam Adebayo

F Norman Powell

F Andrew Wiggins

TIMBERWOLVES

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G Donte DiVincenzo

G Anthony Edwards

C Rudy Gobert

F Jaden McDaniels

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F Julius Randle

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Spread: Heat +5.5 (-112), Timberwolves -5.5 (-108)

Moneyline: Heat +166, Timberwolves -198

Total points scored: 239.5 (over -106, under -114)

QUOTABLE

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Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra on the forced turnovers: “That is and has to be our identity. We have to play with a recklessness and activity level that exceeds our opponent, and thats not to put down our talent level or anything like that, it’s more about we look different when we’re flying around and making plays and making it tough for the opponent.”


For more Miami Heat information and conversation, check out Off The Floor.


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Alexander Toledo is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI and producer/co-host of the Five on the Floor podcast, covering the Heat and NBA. He can be reached at Twitter: @tropicalblanket



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Man shot during $22,000 gold chain robbery at Supreme store in Miami’s Design District; Atlanta suspects arrested

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Man shot during ,000 gold chain robbery at Supreme store in Miami’s Design District; Atlanta suspects arrested


Three men were arrested Saturday after a robbery inside a Miami clothing store left a man shot and hospitalized, according to Miami police and arrest affidavits.

The incident happened Friday afternoon in Miami’s popular Design District neighborhood.

Police said officers were dispatched around 4:20 p.m. Friday to the area of Miami Avenue and Northeast 41st Street after receiving reports of a man who had been shot. Officers found the victim, who told them he had been robbed and shot while shopping inside a Supreme store located at 45 NE 41st Street.

According to investigators, the victim said he was approached by three suspects inside the store, including one person with whom he had a prior conflict originating from the Atlanta area. Police said an argument broke out, and one suspect forcibly removed a gold chain from the victim’s neck. The chain was valued at approximately $22,000, according to police.

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As the suspect ran out of the store, the victim attempted to chase him, police said. During the pursuit, an unidentified male shot the victim once in the stomach. The suspects then fled the area in a white Mercedes-Benz, according to the arrest affidavits. 

Miami Police detectives later located the suspect vehicle parked near Northeast 10th Avenue and Northeast 91st Terrace. Police said they conducted surveillance and observed the suspects abandon the vehicle and walk through a nearby residential area before entering a home in the 800 block of Northeast 90th Street.

A residential search warrant was executed, resulting in the arrest of three suspects. During the search, detectives recovered the victim’s gold chain, keys to the suspect vehicle, and clothing believed to have been worn during the robbery, police said.

The suspects were identified as Jamar McKay, 25, Omarion Phillips, 20, and Kevieon Smith, 21. McKay was charged with armed robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon. Phillips and Smith were charged as accessories after the fact, with Smith also facing an additional firearms-related charge, according to court records.

“This arrest sends a clear message: violent crime will not be tolerated in the City of Miami,” Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales said in a statement. “Individuals who commit acts of violence in our city will be identified, located, and held fully accountable.”

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Miami Hurricanes arrive in Phoenix to continue Fiesta Bowl preparations

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Miami Hurricanes arrive in Phoenix to continue Fiesta Bowl preparations


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The Miami Hurricanes are looking to buck a bad trend. They’re 0-4 in the Fiesta Bowl.

Coach Mario Cristobal’s team gets its fifth shot this week as Miami (12-2) squares off against Mississippi (13-1) in the Fiesta Bowl at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 8 at State Farm Stadium. The school may be 0-4 historically, but there is plenty at stake. This Fiesta Bowl is serving as a College Football Playoff semifinal.

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The Hurricanes, the No. 10 seed in the 12-team playoff field, arrived at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, at the Ragsdale Executive Terminal of Sky Harbor Airport. The opposing team is expected 24 hours later.

The gathered crowd of 100 or so was made of members of the Fiesta Bowl Committee, easily identifiable in their yellow jackets, and their families.

In the past, there had been a welcome event in a tent adjacent to the runway. The coach typically made an opening statement, but players and coaches walked off the plane and straight to their buses parked nearby.

Players, dressed in white sweatsuits, filed off their American Airlines flight in single file on a blue carpet.

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The players will take part in a media day on Jan. 6 at a Scottsdale hotel, with the coaches talking to the media the following day, the eve of the contest.

The Hurricanes enter on the heels of a six-game winning streak. Their last loss came on Nov. 1 against SMU, a game decided in double overtime 26-20. They have surrendered just 17 points in their two postseason games.

The winner advances to the national championship game on Jan. 19 against the winner of the other semifinal, the Peach Bowl between Oregon and Indiana.



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