Miami football linebacker coach Derek Nicholson persuaded transfer Jaylin Alderman Louisville for reasons that were truly remarkable.

Miami football linebacker coach Derek Nicholson recruited Jaylin Alderman to Louisville in the 2021 class. Alderman, who didn’t play in 2022, had an impressive season for Louisville in 2023, recording 62 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two passes defended.

In his freshman year at Louisville, Alderman made 17 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, one interception for a touchdown, and one pass defended. He was ranked as the 1,283rd signee, 142nd linebacker, and 120th player in Georgia in the 2021 class, coming from Valdosta. Louisville was the only power five team to offer him out of high school.

Miami is in need of depth and experience at linebacker, with only Wesley Bissainthe and Francisco Mauigoa having significant experience. In a game against Miami last season, Alderman contributed six tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss in Louisville’s 38-31 victory.

Miami has brought in nine transfers for the 2024 season, with six on defense. Among them are two defensive tackles, one edge rusher, and three safeties, but no linebackers. It’s anticipated that linebacker will be a priority in the spring transfer portal, although Miami hasn’t made any additions during this window.

BREAKING: Louisville LB Jaylin Alderman plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports

The 6’1 225 LB started all 13 games for the Cardinals in 2023.

Totaled 62 tackles, 7 TFL, & 1.5 Sacks.

Will have 2 years of eligibility remaining https://t.co/L9jHHXxzE1 pic.twitter.com/sRhUwVBQK3

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 17, 2024

Alderman is ranked 536th among transfers and 50th among linebackers in the 2024 On3 portal rankings. True freshman Cameron Pruitt and sophomore Raul Aguirre are expected to be the second-team linebackers behind Bissainthe and Mauigoa. Adding Alderman would bring experience and productivity to Miami’s linebacker corps.

In addition to Pruitt, Miami signed Adarius Hayes as a linebacker in the 2024 class. Miami currently has eight scholarship linebackers on the 2024 roster. Bissainthe, Mauigoa, and redshirt junior Chase Smith are the only scholarship linebackers on the Miami roster with more than two years of college experience. Alderman’s addition would significantly strengthen Miami’s linebacker group.