Miami safety Brian Balom hits transfer portal, raising number to 15 Canes leaving program
And then there were 15 — gone.
Miami Hurricanes safety Brian Balom became the 15th University of Miami football player to enter the NCAA transfer portal in search of a new place to play.
Balom, a 6-0, 200-pound third-year redshirt freshman, early Friday morning posted on Twitter that it was in his “best interest to enter the transfer portal and put myself in the best situation to achieve my goal.’’
Balom was a consensus three-star prospect out of MIramar High, but Balom’s career at Miami proved meager, as he ended up with one tackle in the opener against Bethune-Cookman this past season. In 2021 he did not see any action while recovering from offseason surgery.
Balom’s most productive season turned out to be his first in 2020, when he played in 10 games and made one start. He finished with 10 total tackles that season.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the time I spent at the University of Miami,’’ Balom wrote on Twitter. “The relationships and bonds I have established here we be life long and the memories and friendships I’ve obtained will be something I cherish forever. At this point in my career, it is in my best interest to enter the transfer portal...
“I wish the utmost success on all my brothers and this program. I trust GOD and his plans for me and excited to see what he has in store for me.’’
Balom became the seventh UM defensive back (fourth safety) to enter the portal. The others: Gilbert Frierson, Keshawn Washington, Al Blades Jr., Jalen Harrell, Avantae Williams and Isaiah Dunson. Washington, Harrell and Williams were also safeties, and Blades was trained primarily as a cornerback.
Eight others have entered the portal. They are, on defense: end Elijah Roberts; and tackles Allan Haye, Darrell Jackson and Jordan Miller.
The departed Hurricanes on offense: running backs Thad Franklin and Jaylan Knighton; and receivers Key’Shawn Smith and Romello Brinson.
This story was originally published December 9, 2022 at 8:54 AM.
