JUST IN: Canes Land a Gem in 5 Star Rated CB
Through the first three games of the season, the spotlight has largely been on the Hurricanes’ high-powered offense, especially quarterback Cam Ward.
However, the defense has also quietly impressed, allowing only 26 points over those three matchups. While the team has yet to face top-tier college football competition, I’m honestly satisfied with how the defense is coming together.
A standout on defense has been freshman cornerback Romanas “OJ” Frederique, who has been a major bright spot.
NEW OJ Frederique Jr. is three games into his college career, but he has already become an important part of Miami's defense.
The freshman CB is one of just two P4 corners to play 50 or more snaps so far this year.https://t.co/rhJIpQ7NIH
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) September 18, 2024
The St. Thomas Aquinas product and South Florida native graduated from high school as a 3-star prospect, but coming from a powerful program like St. Thomas means there’s something there.
Miami Freshman CB Romanas “OJ” Frederique has been an early surprise for the Canes in the secondary. Coming in as a 3-star recruit, he has been an incredible find by the Miami staff — DC Lance Guidry tells a story about his recruitment. pic.twitter.com/PWOa32vq6U
— CanesInSight (@CanesInSight) September 17, 2024
OJ may have gone unnoticed by most Miami fans when it comes to the great 2024 recruiting class, but it appears that the Hurricanes’ coaching staff has discovered a hidden treasure in him.
OJ Frédérique 👀
— A.Highsmith (@alonzohighsmith) September 7, 2024
So far as a freshman, OJ has started all three games for Miami and performed admirably in each of them, including the opener at Florida, where he was thrust into the starting lineup in his first collegiate game. Knowing this, the Gators could have easily targeted him throughout the day, but OJ held his ground.
Miami safety Jaden Harris on freshman CB OJ Frédérique:
“He has a natural ability to play man-to-man.”
— Marcus Benjamin (@BenjaminRivals) September 18, 2024
“The sky is the limit for him.” Coach Cristobal described OJ to reporters as “long, fast, strong, smart, physical, and relentless.”
Coming into the season, the Miami team’s secondary was the biggest question mark. The Hurricanes re-signed Daryl Porter Jr., a seasoned veteran with starting experience, but what else? The situation was somewhat uncertain.
OJ has been filling in for Damari Brown, especially since his injury against Florida in Week 1.
Though he was recruited when Jahmile Addae was the DB coach, the new cornerbacks coach, Chevis Jackson, gets a lot of credit for OJ’s early success.
D$ thinks that Romanas 'OJ' Frederique is going to play A LOT on defense and has a 'premium' skill set for a young CB.
"He's got ball skill, speed, patience and plays beyond his years."
RISING STOCKS: https://t.co/WPLX8xej0V pic.twitter.com/llzCxuCy4l
— CanesInSight (@CanesInSight) August 12, 2024
For the past few years, Miami’s recruitment at the cornerback position has not been as successful as it has been at other positions—particularly with the prior staff. It appeared that the majority of Miami’s recent success stories came through the transfer site.
However, it appears that Coach Cristobal and Lance Guidry, with the assistance of Coach Jackson, may have identified the Canes’ starting cornerback for the next few years.