The Miami Hurricanes landed a commitment from Elijah Alston, a skilled and veteran defensive end who played for UM defensive coach Lance Guidry at Marshall for two years, on Thursday evening, only hours after landing Arizona safety Isaiah Taylor in the transfer portal.
Alston has one more season of college eligibility. Alston had no sacks in 2022 but exploded last season with 45 tackles, six sacks, and 11.5 tackles for loss. Against North Carolina State, he had one of those sacks. Against Old Dominion, he also forced two turnovers and recovered an interception 85 yards for a touchdown. In 235 pass rush snaps last season, Alston had a 91.0 overall grade and a 90.5 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus.
In addition to the six sacks, he had 36 quarterback pressures. Over the last three seasons, he has 101 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Alston, 6-3, 256 pounds, pledged to Texas A&M on Monday but changed his mind the next day. Alston apparently considering Georgia and already disclosed a West Virginia offer. With Akheem Mesidor and Nyjalik Kelly back from injuries and Rueben Bain coming off an outstanding freshman season, the Canes were already strong at defensive end.
Alston provides UM with a potential fourth rotation defensive end and offsets for the transfer losses of Jahfari Harvey, Chantz Williams, and Cyrus Moss.
Jayden Wayne, Anthony Campbell, and a slew of highly touted freshmen will also vie for playing time at defensive end.
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