In an effort to keep even the most hardcore Miami fan up to date on their favorite players, SOTU will be running a Freshman Profile series. In these posts, our writers will profile UM’s newcomers for 2016. That way, when the season get’s here, you hopefully will have a new found love for the team on the field.

Romeo Finley

S – 6’1 200 Freshman – Fort Walton Beach, Fl

Composite 4 star recruit comes to UM with ambitions to play right away:

Picked the ‘Canes over Clemson and Georgia Tech among others.

Early on will likely have a tough road to PT on D, with veterans like Jaquan Johnson, Rayshawn Jenkins, and Jamal Carter returning at safety.

However, Finley brings outstanding size, athleticism, and a mean streak to the table.  So it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he could see early action nonetheless:

Looks like his natural position will be SS, but he is long and fast enough to perhaps play some FS as well down the line.

Summary: I could very easily see Finley earning at minimum a role on Special Teams this season, so a RS is not a strong possibility.  But the more exciting prospect is what this kid could mean to Manny Diaz’ attacking D next year and years to come.  Miami has a long history of great safeties, but the comparison I see when watching his highlights is Brandon Merriweather.  Finley, however,  is even bigger than the former Hurricanes great who has been very solid in the NFL for Patriots, Giants, and Bears among others. The Niceville, Fl product is anything but nice when he brings the wood to opposing ball carriers. He’ll need to learn the playbook, and get a feel for the speed of the game at this level.  But he already has the physical skill set you want in a strong safety, and he’s only going to get bigger and stronger.  His ball skills are very solid as well, but the best part of his game right now is his tackling. Finley has the potential to be an absolute monster as a blitzer and in the box down the line.  In 2016, watch for him on coverage units and on D perhaps in mop up situations. He just might separate a few players from the ball as a true freshman, and his future beyond this season is undoubtedly bright.