PFF Recognizes Matt Lee and Akheem Mesidor As Top Returners

Miami has had some very impactful transfers over the last few seasons, such as standout receiver Charleston Rambo and recently drafted corner Tyrique Stevenson.

While Miami is still active in the Transfer Portal, landing two targets just yesterday in Vanderbilt corner Jadais Richard and Nebraska running back Ajay Allen, the roster is finally starting to come together as the team heads into year two under Mario Cristobal.

Staying on the topic of impactful transfers, Matt Lee from UCF and Akheem Mesidor who came over from West Virginia last season are two players expected to continue to have great seasons.

According to Pro Football Focus, both are viewed as top players returning at their position group in the country.

Lee is regarded as the top returning center in the country according to PFF this coming season, as he earned an 82.5 PFF grade last season at UCF. Lee is regarded as one of the top pass-blocking centers in the nation, and is a valuable player as Miami moves into offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson's offense with an emphasis on the passing game.

Highest graded returning Centers💪 pic.twitter.com/6yqLm7387i
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 8, 2023

With Mesidor, he finds himself at number five on the list with an 87.1 PFF grade. Mesidor had seven sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss last season for the Hurricanes. Mesidor is expected to up his level of play alongside the talented Leonard Taylor in new defensive coordinator Lance Guidry's scheme.

Highest graded returning Edge rushers🔥 pic.twitter.com/2ht0QzSemP
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 9, 2023

It's obvious that coach Cristobal wants to build up the trenches in Miami in order to bring the school back to its glory. With Lee and Mesidor, they are surely trending in the right direction.

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