Miami linebacker Jaylin Alderman has been a consistent presence on the Hurricanes’ defense this season, and he had his best performance Saturday in an otherwise rough day for UM’s defense.
Although the Hurricanes struggled to contain the Yellow Jackets’ running game in Georgia Tech’s 28-23 upset win, Alderman was one of the few bright spots.
The Louisville transfer had six tackles and a team-leading 2.5 tackles for loss in Atlanta. He posted an 80.7 run-defense grade — the best mark on the team.
The Hurricanes are down a linebacker, as talented sophomore Raul “Popo” Aguirre Jr. has missed the last three games. Alderman started for the second time this season against Georgia Tech and played a season-high 41 snaps. Pro Football Focus gave Alderman a 78.4 defensive grade for his performance.
“I just continue to watch a lot of film,” Alderman said. “Coach (Derek Nicholson) and all of the guys on defense, they’ve helped me since I got here. I just waited on my opportunity. I just took full advantage of it. I hated that we lost; I wish we could’ve came (out) on top with a win. I’m not really focused on my performance. I’m focused on getting better each and every week and helping the team win.”
O.J. Frederique Jr. keeps improving
Freshman O.J. Frederique Jr. has continued to impress as he takes on a bigger role. With fellow cornerback Jadais Richard out with an injury, he played 64 snaps (two below his career high, which came against Duke the previous week).
Frederique had the best game of anyone on the Hurricanes’ defense, according to PFF. The site gave him an 80.6 grade — his second straight game with a grade above 80. He had the fifth-best overall grade for any freshman last week, according to PFF, and has the fourth-best defensive grade among freshman cornerbacks with at least 100 snaps.
Cam Ward earns another semifinalist spot
A day after being named one of 16 Maxwell Award semifinalists, Miami quarterback Cam Ward was named a semifinalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, which is awarded to the player chosen as national player of the year.
Ward, who is a Heisman Trophy contender, leads the nation in passing yards (3,494) and touchdown passes (32).
Hurricanes prospects in state playoffs
The FHSAA state football players kick off this week, and several Miami commits will be in action across the state.
Here is a list of UM commits and where you can watch them play. All games are Friday at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Games in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach counties are in bold.
— Offensive lineman Max Buchanan, Sanford Seminole at St. John’s Creekside
— Offensive lineman Demetrius Campbell, Orlando Christian Prep at Melbourne Central Catholic, 7:30 p.m.
— Linebacker Jordan Campbell, Miami Carol City at Cardinal Gibbons
— Quarterback Dereon Coleman, Orlando Jones vs. Lecanto, 7:30 p.m.
— Defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald, Miami Columbus vs. Spanish River, Thursday, 7 p.m.
— Defensive back Chris Ewald Jr. and defensive lineman Donta Simpson, Chaminade-Madonna vs. Saint John Paul II Academy
— Wide receiver Josh Moore, West Broward vs. Flanagan
— Defensive lineman Mykah Newton, Newberry vs. Palatka, 7:30 p.m.
— Running back Girard Pringle Jr., Seffner Armwood vs. Melbourne, 7:30 p.m.
— Defensive back Hylton “Drake” Stubbs, Jacksonville Mandarin vs. Orange Park Oakleaf, 6:30 p.m.
— Wide receiver Malachi Toney, American Heritage vs. Jensen Beach
— Offensive lineman Jaden Wilkerson, Orlando Edgewater vs. Gibsonton East Bay, 7:30 p.m.
