Damon Wilson II, right, will join a Miami pass rush that must replace two of its most productive players. Jeff Le / Getty Images
Miami’s search to replace top NFL-bound edge rushers Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor received a big boost Thursday with a reported commitment from one of the top pass rushers in the transfer portal: Damon Wilson.
The 6-foot-4, 250-pound former Missouri Tiger and Georgia Bulldog finished third in the SEC this past season with nine sacks and provides a proven veteran presence on the line for the Hurricanes, who are coming off a loss to Indiana in the national championship game. A report of Wilson’s transfer to Miami was attached to his Instagram account on Thursday. He chose Miami over other lucrative offers from Texas Tech and LSU.
Pro Football Focus said Wilson generated 54 quarterback pressures, which was tied for 10th nationally.
Wilson’s transfer from Georgia to Missouri remains an issue in two courts. This fall, Georgia filed a request for arbitration in Athens-Clarke County, Ga., claiming Wilson owes $390,000 for leaving the Bulldogs. In December, Wilson sued the Bulldogs in Boone County, Mo., accusing them of a civil conspiracy to “penalize Wilson for his decision to transfer.” Both cases are pending.
Miami has been involved in a couple of lawsuits involving NIL contracts. Wisconsin is suing Miami for tortious interference or tampering with cornerback Xavier Lucas, a starter for the Hurricanes this past season. Miami is also the school where ex-Duke quarterback Darian Mensah is expected to transfer once he’s done with his legal battle with his former school over a breach of his two-year NIL contract.