Oct 21, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes safety Kamren Kinchens (5) celebrates with teammates after catching a interception against the Clemson Tigers during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
Jaylin Alderman, a projected starting linebacker from Louisville, was added to the Miami football program on Sunday. Derek Nicholson, who is currently the coach of the Miami LBs, recruited Alderman to Louisville. Wesley Bissainthe and Francisco Mauigoa, two starting linebackers who are back, should be Alderman’s first starters.
Alderman had a career season in 2023, recording 62 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two passes defended. Alderman trails K.J. Cloyd, who transferred from Louisville and went on to become a major player for Miami in 2023. Alderman’s eligibility will last for the next two years.
Before Alderman announced his move to Miami on Sunday, the Dolphins were lacking experience at left guard behind Bissinathe and Mauigoa. As of the 2024 season, Chase Smith—who has seen little defensive action—was the only linebacker on the Miami squad to have completed more than two years of college.
Alderman redshirted in 2022 following a strong true freshman year in 2021. In 2023, Alderman’s greatest game came against Boston College, with eight tackles, one TFL, and one sack. Alderman recorded six tackles and 0.5 TFL against Miami. 230 pounds and 6’1″, Alderman provides Miami with good size at LB.
Alderman is Miami’s eleventh addition for the 2024–2027 season. Alderman’s arrival gives Miami seven defensive transfers. The running back from Oregon State was Miami’s fourth offensive addition on Saturday night. Dyoni Hill, a cornerback for Marshall, is anticipated to pledge to Miami shortly.
The Miami Dolphins are also expected to start other transfer quarterbacks Cam Ward, Martinez, center Zach Carpenter, and defensive tackles Marley Cook and C.J. Clark. Miami jumps up to the 18th-best 2024 transfer class with the arrival of Alderman. Miami ought to keep rising in the standings.
Both Cameron Pruitt, a 2024 signee, and rising sophomore Raul Aguirre showed promise this spring. In 2024, Aguirre and Pruitt should be a regular part of the LB rotation. Miami has added a number of elite linebackers within the last two classes. Alderman gives the Miami team’s young linebackers extra time to mature.
