From Miami Hurricanes to transfer portal: Cornerback Christian Williams leaving Canes
University of Miami sophomore cornerback Christian Williams has entered the transfer portal and is no longer on the Hurricanes’ roster.
Williams, 6-1 and 195 pounds, is a former four-star prospect from Daphne, Alabama and at one time was committed to the University of Alabama.
247Sports reported the news first.
Williams was rated by Rivals as the 141st best player in the 2019 recruiting class. He had 52 tackles and eight interceptions as a high school senior.
Williams played behind starters Al Blades Jr. and DJ Ivey and Te’Cory Couch in this young season. Last year he is listed as having played in 13 games, with five tackles and a pass breakup.
Williams had one tackle last Thursday in UM’s opener against Alabama-Birmingham.
UM defensive coordinator Blake Baker was not thrilled with the cornerback play against UAB. “I thought they were average,’’ Baker told reporters Monday.
Ivey has performed erratically, and Williams’ departure leaves less competition at the position. Asked Monday if Te’Cory Couch or Williams is pushing Ivey for a starting job, Baker said: “I think Te’Cory can definitely challenge” but made no mention of Williams.
Over six career starts, Ivey’s play at cornerback for Miami has been uneven. Against UAB, he allowed two of the three targets in his coverage area to be caught for 45 yards, including a touchdown.
Last season, Ivey allowed UM’s most yards in pass coverage (349), with quarterbacks completing 24 of 41 passes in his coverage area.
Besides Blades Jr., Ivey and Couch, the only other cornerbacks on scholarship are freshmen Isaiah Dunson and Marcus Clarke.
On Thursday against UAB, Ivey played 53 snaps, Al Blades Jr. 48, Couch 29 and Williams 8.
UM has 2021 commitments from three-star Miami Northwestern cornerback Tim Burns and Fort Myers-based three-star cornerback Malik Curtis, who could end up at receiver. But more will be needed at the position.
This story was originally published September 15, 2020 at 4:21 PM.
