Former Citadel corner Delaney transferring to UM

CORAL GABLES — Hurricanes coach Mark Richt has never shied away from saying Miami would be mining the transfer market to find players to help the Hurricanes deal with some of their depth issues.

Tuesday, they got help at cornerback when Dee Delaney, a 6-foot-1, 193-pound former All-American at The Citadel, said he would be transferring to Miami.

He issued a statement through The Citadel thanking the school’s fans and also posted a message on his Instagram page, writing: “Well one chapter in my book has ended another one is beginning. Deciding to come to The Citadel was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made and now deciding to leave is even harder. The friendships I have made here will last forever. The Citadel has made me into a better and much mature person and for that all I can say is Thank you! I will be transferring to the University of Miami to finish up my senior football season. Thanks for all the support and much love.”

Delaney, who is set to graduate from The Citadel in May and will be eligible immediately at Miami, was an AP FCS All-American last season after he had six interceptions and 35 tackles.

At Miami, he’ll help a unit that is losing Corn Elder and Adrian Colbert. Colbert, himself a graduate transfer, has been active in helping the Hurricanes bring Delaney to campus, and on Tuesday expressed his thoughts on Twitter, writing, “Welcome to the family bro.”

Delaney’s coach at The Citadel, Brent Thomas, issued this statement after Delaney’s announcement: “I appreciate everything Dee Delaney has done representing The Citadel. He is going to graduate in May and leaves here having played a vital role in back-to-back Southern Conference championships, which had never happened at this school before. The pursuit of Dee from one of the most visible and historic programs in college football is a testament to his work ethic and development over the last four years at The Citadel. We were supportive of Dee while he came to this difficult decision, and we will be cheering for him next season.”