Miami Canes reflect on transfer decisions: ‘I would do it again — a million times over’
The question was simple enough. The answers were basically identical.
Leading to their 8 p.m. Saturday game at North Carolina State, four productive Hurricanes who transferred to the University of Miami were asked this week to reflect on their decision to choose UM, and what they’d tell others who might be considering the U.
Center Matt Lee, left guard Javion Cohen, defensive tackle Branson Deen and linebacker Francisco Mauigoa basically said this: “Best decision I ever made.’’
Lee, a 6-4, 295-pound fifth-year redshirt junior who transferred from Central Florida, plays for an offensive line that is among the nation’s best. The Canes are ranked 11th in the country in sacks allowed per game (1), 20th in scoring (35.4 points a game), 31st in rushing offense (183.8 yards a game), 22nd in third-down conversion percentage and 38th in passing offense (272.4).
“I absolutely would do it again, every single year if that was the case — a million times over,’’ Lee said. “It was probably the best decision I’ve ever made, especially in a football regard.
“I got here in the middle of January and I wouldn’t change a thing. The people, the coaches, the players, the culture, the city, the school, anything about it has been absolutely perfect.
“Anybody that is in high school or that’s in the transfer portal looking for a program, the University of Miami is a great place led by a great guy in Coach Cristobal. Everyone he has underneath him are all great men, standup guys.
“Everyone is a big family — the offense, the defense… It’s the best decision I’ve made and I don’t regret it.”
From ‘Bama
Cohen, a 6-4, 305-pound fourth-year junior transferred from Alabama. He also said it was among the best decisions he has ever made.
“Coach Cristobal, Coach [Alex] Mirabal, the whole staff, man, it changed my whole perspective on football, made me fall back in love with the game,’’ Cohen said. “Just knowing that people around here care about that common goal just as much as they care about you.
“My advice to anybody who is considering transferring to Miami: Do it. Come in here with the right mentality. Come here ready to work. Trust your coaches, trust your teammates, be the perfect team player and always remember that it’s us, not they, who are all one. There’s never a finger to point.
“Pull the trigger and come, man. I made the best decision I could possibly think of. I love these guys, I love these coaches, I love each and everybody on this staff. It’s the perfect place to be and I don’t regret one thing.”
From Purdue
Deen, a 6-2, 280-pound sixth-year redshirt senior who transferred from Purdue said (you guessed it!) that “transferring to Miami was probably the best decision I’ve ever made.”
“In terms of being on a platform that’s around a bunch of guys that are really talented, really pushing myself to up my level of play... Shoot, we have a freshman that’s all-worldly [Rueben Bain] and you kind of got to match his style of play every time you go out there.
“If you’re thinking of coming here, just do it, man. I was kind of afraid to, but it’s a leap of faith and I struck gold. Come check out the U.”
From Washington State
Mauigoa, a 6-3, 230-pound junior out of Washington State, has dominated this season with 40 tackles, a team-leading 11 tackles for loss, 3 1/2 sacks, one pass breakup, four quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and one interception.
Mauigo’s younger brother Francis is the vaunted true freshman who starts at right tackle after arriving at UM as the No. 1 offensive line recruit in the nation.
“This is the greatest decision I ever made,’’ said Francisco, adding that it feels “like home.’’
“Coach Cristobal and everybody has been welcoming. ...I love being here. For whoever is trying to get here, this is one of a kind. This is Miami. There’s no other place like this. It’s amazing.”
