CORAL GABLES — Two Hurricanes veterans are no longer on the UM roster due to injury, a Miami spokesperson confirmed Thursday.
Veteran offensive lineman Zion Nelson and wide receiver Michael Redding III will not be a part of Miami’s 2024 roster and are not expected to transfer to another team.
Nelson has not played since he participated in two games in 2022. He had knee surgery before the 2022 campaign and struggled with setbacks that kept him off the field. Prior to the injury, he was considered a potential NFL draft pick at offensive tackle. He was a 2021 All-ACC honorable mention. Nelson played 37 games for the Hurricanes, including 32 starts.
Cristobal said in November that he hoped Nelson would be able to resume his career, and the lineman warmed up prior to UM’s spring game in April, but his football career appears to be over.
“He’s a great human being, by the way,” coach Mario Cristobal said in November. “And obviously, a really good football player, as well.”
Redding’s football career is over due to injury, as well. Redding, a Pensacola native, spent four years with the Hurricanes. Redding had lingering shoulder issues, Cristobal said in the spring.
Redding played in 26 games with Miami and had 19 catches for 239 yards and two touchdowns, but played in only two games last season. Redding was inducted in UM’s prestigious Iron Arrow honor society this spring.
“He is (a special guy),” Cristobal said in April. “High academic guy. Very accountable, responsible, team guy. Doesn’t do anything wrong. It’s been unfortunate for him, the amount of injuries he has sustained throughout his career. But it’s also a testament to him, his upbringing and his DNA that no matter what he’s been confronted with, he keeps going forward. He comes back from injury — he’s had multiple issues with his shoulders — it doesn’t matter. He keeps coming back. He does all that while still getting straight A’s and earning the right to be tapped like he is. Tremendous young man.”
Bissainthe leads Rocket alumni at UM
The Hurricanes have recruited South Florida powerhouse Miami Central well since Cristobal arrived at Miami late in 2021. Linebacker Wesley Bissainthe was the first Rocket to sign with Cristobal, starting a trend that four others have so far followed.
The UM startling linebacker said he thinks former Central players “most definitely” come to UM with an edge. Bissainthe joined the team in 2022, Rueben Bain Jr. followed him. Bain had a stellar freshman season, earning ACC Defensive Freshman of the Year honors last year. This season, defensive lineman Armondo Blount, a five-star prospect, is the newest former Miami Central star to join the team. Miami also has commitments from a pair of current Rockets: 2025 standouts Ezekiel Marcelin and Amari Wallace.
“It feels amazing, just having the Rockets come to the U, man, It’s amazing,” Bissainthe said. “I’ve got no words. It’s their decision. I have nothing to do with it … but it’s amazing just to have that pipeline.”
Harris on preseason watch list
Hurricanes defensive back Jaden Harris earned a spot on the Wuerffel Trophy preseason watch list, the ACC announced Thursday.
The Wuerffel Award is given to an athlete who “best combines exemplary community service with leadership and performance on and off the field.”
Harris, a redshirt sophomore, is the only Miami player on the watch list.
