Miami was aggressive in re-tooling its roster via the transfer portal this offseason under new head coach Mario Cristobal.

The coaching change meant a smaller 2022 recruiting class from the high school ranks, so the Canes got to work in the portal.

Miami made several key additions — especially on the defensive side of the ball — that should help reach its lofty expectations in 2022. In total, Miami signed 11 transfers this cycle.

Here are projections for Miami’s 5 most impactful transfers in 2022:

No. 5. WR Frank Ladson (Clemson)

Miami picked up receiver Frank Ladson from Clemson early on in this process, and he could have a big role with the Hurricanes in 2022. With Charleston Rambo off to the NFL, the Canes need another No. 1 option at receiver to compliment tight end Will Mallory.

Xavier Restrepo is a possibility, but Ladson offers the potential to be that player as well. In 2020, he caught 18 passes for 281 yards and 3 touchdowns. If he can scale up that production and remain consistent over the course of the season, he’ll be a difference-maker for Miami.

No. 4. DE Mitchell Agude (UCLA)

Mitchell Agude played linebacker and UCLA but will be a defensive end for the Hurricanes. In 2 seasons with the Bruins, he showed off his pass rushing ability to the tune of 4.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss.

Agude is a major reason why Miami’s defensive front should be significantly better in 2022.

No. 3. RB Henry Parrish Jr. (Ole Miss)

Miami picked up Henry Parrish to join its running back rotation this offseason, and he has exceeded expectations so far. He’s been good enough to potentially steal some touches away from incumbent starter Jaylan Knighton this fall.

Parrish joins Miami by way of Ole Miss, where he was a standout contributor for the Rebels. Last season, he carried the ball 105 times for 553 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 173 yards.

Parrish and Knighton will form one of the more formidable running back tandems in the ACC.

No. 2. CB Daryl Porter Jr. (West Virginia)

Daryl Porter is a very important addition for the Hurricanes as they look to shore up their secondary. Last season, Miami allowed a 132.09 passer efficiency rating from opposing quarterbacks — just 7th in the ACC. That team also lost safety Bubba Bolden to the NFL.

Porter, a West Virginia transfer, should be able to contribute immediately as a starting cornerback. He played in 6 games for the Mountaineers last season and racked up 46 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception and 5 pass deflections. He’s expected to start alongside Tyrique Stevenson at cornerback this year.

No. 1. DT Akheem Mesidor (West Virginia)

While Porter and Parrish offer intriguing options as starters, Akheem Mesidor could be a star. Like Porter, Mesidor arrives in Coral Gables after spending the first part of his career at West Virginia.

He was amongst the Big 12’s most disruptive defensive linemen last season. He had 4.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss while leading West Virginia’s defensive front. He should step into a similar role for the Hurricanes immediately and have an All-ACC caliber season.