The Miami Hurricanes’ already depleted secondary is facing further setbacks. Junior cornerback Jadais Richard, who took on a starting role this season, was carted off the field after securing his first career interception in the fourth quarter of No. 5 Miami’s 53-31 victory over the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. Head coach Mario Cristobal shared that Richard would undergo evaluation to “see where it’s at.”
“Prayers up to him and his family,” Cristobal said. Richard contributed five tackles, a pass breakup, and the interception during the game, bringing his season totals to 27 tackles, three pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble. “He’s been getting back into a good flow,” added Hurricanes safety Mishael Powell, who also recorded one of Miami’s three interceptions on Saturday. “When J-Rich is on his P’s and Q’s like he has been, he’s lights out. Praying for him and hoping everything’s all right.”
If Richard is unable to play, the Hurricanes will be down to six healthy scholarship cornerbacks: Daryl Porter Jr., OJ Frederique Jr., D’Yoni Hill, Robert Stafford, Robby Washington, and Ryan Mack. Additionally, Damari Brown, a starter at the beginning of the season, remains sidelined since Miami’s opener against Florida, though Cristobal expects his return later in the season. These absences add to Miami’s defensive struggles, as they’re already without defensive end Elijah Alston and linebacker Raul “Popo” Aguirre.
Alston, who has three-and-a-half tackles for loss and two-and-a-half sacks, has missed two of Miami’s last three games with an undisclosed injury, only playing in Miami’s 52-45 win at Louisville. Tyler Baron has been starting opposite Rueben Bain Jr. at defensive end. Aguirre has missed two straight games, with 20 tackles this season and a fumble recovery for a touchdown against Louisville.
