Stevenson decides to declare for NFL

University of Miami cornerback Tyrique Stevenson on Friday became the 16th Hurricanes player with remaining eligibility to leave the program.

But unlike the previous 15, Stevenson is turning pro.

The Senior Bowl announced that Stevenson has accepted an invitation to play in its annual game on Feb. 4 in Mobile, Alabama.

Stevenson transferred to UM from Georgia after the 2020 season and produced 68 tackles, three interceptions and 11 passes defended in 22 games as a Hurricane. He was a fourth-year junior this past season.

His decision to turn pro isn’t surprising, though Stevenson said in his Canesport.com blog recently that it was 50-50 whether he would return to UM.

With Stevenson departing and DJ Ivey having used up his college eligibility, UM is losing the two cornerbacks who played the most in 2022.

Senior tight end Will Mallory accepted an invitation to the Senior

Bowl earlier this week.

Stevenson’s departure raises the number of departing Hurricanes to 24 and counting.

Defensive end Mitchell Agude, punter Lou Hedley, Ivey, linebacker Caleb Johnson, Mallory, defensive tackle Antonio Moultrie, offensive tackle DJ Scaife and linebacker Waynmon Steed have used up their eligibility.

Fifteen have announced plans to enter the transfer portal: defensive linemen Darrell Jackson (who’s transferring to FSU to be closer to his ailing mother), Allan Haye, Jordan Miller and Elijah Roberts; defensive backs Avantae Williams, Al Blades Jr., Gilbert Frierson, Brian Balom, Jalen Harrell, Keshawn Washington and Isaiah Dunson; running backs Jaylan Knighton and Thad Franklin; and receivers Keyshawn Smith and Romello Brinson.

More departures are expected.