Canadian defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor commits to the University of Miami

Courtesy: Akheem Mesidor

Canadian defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor has committed to the University of Miami.

Mesidor officially entered the NCAA transfer portal less than one month ago and received offers from the University of Southern California, University of Tennessee and Auburn University. He chose the Hurricanes over major Power Five Conference schools.

The Ottawa, ON native joined West Virginia University as a highly-coveted three-star recruit after finishing his high school career at Clearwater Academy in Florida. He made an instant impact in 2020, registering 32 total tackles and five sacks in nine games on his way to being named a freshman All-American by ESPN.

The six-foot-two, 272-pound defender’s production held stable with an increased role in his sophomore season, as he finished with 38 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 12 games. That was enough to be selected as an All-Big 12 honourable mention by the conference’s coaches.

Through 21 career NCAA games, Mesidor has recorded 70 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. That production was coveted by Miami as the Atlantic Coast Conference program adds a dynamic defender.

As a budding young star with up to three years of eligibility remaining, Mesidor left the Mountaineers in search of increased Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities at more high-profile schools and the Hurricanes provided the opportunity he was looking for.