Mario Cristobal on Miami's transfer portal formula, roster building: 'That's a really good blend'

Miami being tabbed as one of the potential teams that could take home the ACC Championship this season largely has to do with their success in the transfer portal this offseason. Bringing in a robust class of 15 proven players from other programs who can have a significant impact on swaying the team’s success this season.

Recruiting out of the transfer portal is a new art for head coaches and one that Miami head coach Mario Cristobal seemed to get a firm grasp on this offseason.

“I think the use of the portal and how you build your roster is all dependent upon what the starting point is for a program,” Cristobal said at ACC Media Days on Wednesday. “At a previous program, there wasn’t much use of a transfer portal by us because we were very junior and senior laden.

“We have a handful of fourth and fifth-year guys that are awesome and they need to be complemented by guys that have had a significant amount of snap counts, experience, maturity at certain positions. And it’s a great blend because you have guys that have been here and have been through a lot and are driven to compete and win.”

Quarterback Cam Ward and running back Damien Martinez headlined Miami’s most recent portal recruiting class. But how those two and the remainder of the Hurricanes’ new additions compliment the rest of the team’s roster and balance out the chemistry of the locker room are major keys in Cristobal’s formula.

“And then you have some transfer portal guys at some positions that needed bolstering that are driven that want to win and want to be at Miami. And then they’re sandwiched in there with some uber talented freshman classes. That’s a really good blend, right?” Cristobal asked.

“You got them at all levels and at different positions, so now that allows for a higher level play. It allows for a great mentorship for the younger guys and development for the younger guys. And now you build the right kind of depth, you’re more staggered where it’s more sustainable.”

Cristobal seems to have the recipe for success heading into the season, with all that’s left is for the Hurricanes to prove themselves on the field. But irregardless he believes that his team is now positioned for success beyond just this season the way they’re currently constructed.

“The coming years it bodes well for Miami knowing that that it’s layered where upperclassmen are also complimented by younger guys. And there are some younger guys in certain roles as well, but overall the blend in the mix is really well,” he concluded.