Senior Louisville linebacker transferring to Miami Hurricanes to add much-needed depth

Another veteran transfer is heading to the MIami Hurricanes at a much-needed position.

Former Louisville linebacker K.J. Cloyd, a 6-2, 229-pound soon-to-be senior pledged his allegiance to the Canes on Sunday night.

“COMMITTED!!!!,’’ Cloyd posted on Twitter. “After talking with Coach [Mario] Cristobal and the Hurricane staff I would like to proudly say I that I am committed to the University of Miami!”

The Canes need talented linebackers, and ones with experience can only help.

Cloyd is listed in his Louisville bio as appearing in 12 games as a reserve linebacker and special teams player. He finished 2022 with 15 tackles and also had a fumble recovery.

In 2021 he appeared in 13 games, with one start, and had 12 tackles. As a freshman in 2020 he played in 11 games as a linebacker and special teams contributor.

Cloyd is from Columbia, Mississippi, and according to Louisville, he was ranked the No. 2 outside linebacker and No. 23 prospect in the Class of 2020. Both parents played college basketball, and according to his bio, he “is terrified of butterflies.’’

The Hurricanes already added Washington State transfer Francisco Mauigoa, who had a strong spring and is expected to win the starting job in the middle. Keontra Smith, Corey Flagg and Wesley Bissainthe are now the UM veterans who will likely see substantial playing time.