Two Hurricanes defensive players are leaving the program after the 2023 season: one to try his luck in the pro ranks and another to search for another school.
Veteran linebacker K.J. Cloyd is departing to enter the draft, while first-year defensive lineman Collins Acheampong is entering the transfer portal. Cloyd announced his departure on social media, while Acheampong retweeted the news.
Cloyd spent one season with Miami after transferring from Louisville. He played in 13 games and started six, notching 44 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. Pro Football Focus gave him a 64.6 defensive grade this season.
“I would like to thank God for the opportunity to play the game I love,” Cloyd wrote on social media. “I want to thank coach (Mario) Cristobal and the Miami football staff for allowing me to play for the University of Miami. I would also like to thank the University of Louisville for my time there.
To my coach (Derek Nicholson) I want to say I appreciate you for everything,” Cloyd added, “and to my teammates, family and friends I met along this journey, I will forever cherish our bond.”
Watch Out 2024!
— Kj (@Kj_Cloyd) December 31, 2023
Cloyd is the fourth Miami defensive player to declare for the draft, joining defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III and safeties Kam Kinchens and James Williams
Acheampong came to UM in the 2023 recruiting class as one of the most interesting prospects. Listed at 6-7 and 270, he brought size to the defensive line. He was rated a four-star prospect and the No. 158 player in the class in 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Unfortunately, Acheampong did not play a game at Miami after being limited by an injury this season.
Acheampong is the 11th Miami player to enter the portal this offseason and the fourth defensive lineman.
