Mark Richt just keeps making moves to bring Miami football back to the promised land.
There are already lofty expectations surrounding the Hurricanes heading into the 2017 season, so Richt doesn't intend to take his foot off the gas pedal when it comes to adding new talent.
On Tuesday, Miami announced the signing of FCS All-American CB Dee Delaney, a transfer from The Citadel.
#Miami announces arrival of FCS All-American grad transfer Dee Delaney fm #TheCitadel. He's a long, fast CB & fills a big position of need.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) May 23, 2017
There are typically low expectations when an FCS player transfers to the ACC, but Delaney is a clear exception. HERO Sports' FCS expert Brian McLaughlin called Delaney one of the five FCS juniors sure to be selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-1, 193-pound talent one of the five FCS juniors who uses his size and athleticism to wreak havoc in the secondary. His contributions at The Citadel were nothing short of insane.
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Delaney is tied for second on The Citadel's career interceptions list with 13, and ranks fourth on the passes defended list with 32. He's as reliable as it gets (started in the last 36 games) and according to the Bulldogs' website, he's the most decorated All-American in program history. The new Hurricane is coming off a 2016 outing where he recorded 35 tackles, eight pass breakups, six picks and a fumble recovery.
Do yourself a favor and check out this highlight tape. All the dude does is make plays.
With the departure of standout cornerback Corn Elder to the NFL Draft, Miami was desperately seeking a talented, veteran presence who could lead the young secondary. That's exactly what they got. His skillset is dynamic and has everything a coach wants. Elder — who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 draft by the Carolina Panthers — was certainly talented, but Delaney could be even better.
"I was told he [Delaney] had a mid-round stock in this year's NFL Draft and considered leaving early," ESPN ACC reporter David Hale said. "The hope is he boosts his stock at Miami. He's the real deal."
So if Delaney would have declared after last season, he could have very well been selected alongside Elder. HERO Sports FCS guru Brian McLaughlin has studied The Citadel product closely over the last few years and believes the hype is validated.
"Dee was one of the elite defensive backs from the FCS level, and has proven himself against Florida State, South Carolina and North Carolina," McLaughlin said. "There's no question he can play Power 5 ball, just like many FCS standouts could. He was going to be one of the first five FCS products to be drafted to the NFL next spring. Now we'll see where he ranks playing in the FBS."
I don't know about you guys, but I'm pumped to see how this pans out. Most college football fans have never heard Delaney's name, but that will change quickly.
