A four-star transfer according to 247Sports, Baron is the latest impact addition to a Miami portal haul now slotted at No. 10 nationally in the 247Sports Team Rankings. The 6-foot-5 veteran racked up 10.5 tackles for loss with six sacks last year and played a key role in all four of his seasons with the Vols.
A total of 15 defensive players also exited through the portal. But Baron’s commitment is the latest sign that a robust group of replacements is on the way along the front seven.
Here’s the breakdown of who the ‘Canes are bringing in to bolster their defensive front:
- Tyler Baron | 6-5 | 255 | EDGE | Tennessee | 4-star | Career highlights: 27 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks (2020-23)
- Marley Cook | 6-2 | 298 | DL | Middle Tennessee | 4-star | Career highlights: 19 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks (2021-23)
- Simeon Barrow Jr. | 6-3 | 296 | DL | Michigan State | 3-star | Highlights: 18.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks (2021-23)
- Jaylin Alderman | 6-1 | 230 | LB | Louisville | 3-star | Highlights: seven tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks (2023)
- Elijah Alston | 6-2 | 256 | EDGE | Marshall | 3-star | Highlights: 11.5 tackles for loss, six sacks (2023)
- C.J. Clark | 6-3 | 305 | DL | NC State | 3-star | Career highlights: 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks (2022-23)
At just 12-13 (6-10) through two seasons, Cristobal needs nine victories in 2024 merely to reach the 21-win threshold that predecessor Manny Diaz posted through three seasons before he was fired. Recruiting hasn’t been an issue for the ‘Canes under Cristobal’s direction, but a lack of on-field execution and painful late-game miscues hurt the program’s bid for momentum during his first two seasons.
