South Florida 2024 CB Romanas 'OJ' Frederique flips commitment from West Virginia to Miami Hurricanes
Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas 2024 three-star cornerback Romanas “OJ” Frederique has flipped his commitment from West Virginia to Miami, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound defensive back announced on Twitter.
Frederique committed to the Mountaineers June 17 one week after his official visit to West Virginia and just days before he took his June 23 official visit to Miami. He visited the Hurricanes three times in 2023, including for Miami’s elite junior day May 13 and a pool party at head coach Mario Cristobal’s house.
“I think I finally found a home and a coaching staff that really cares about me and thinks I can have an impact on their team,” Frederique said. “Growing up, me liking Miami was part of that. Especially now, me having a relationship here with coach Cristobal and (secondary) coach (Jahmile) Addae, knowing they wanted me there and knowing that I can make an impact, knowing coach Addae’s background and knowing he put two corners in the draft last year, that really made me feel great about going to Miami.”
Frederique gained increasing attention from the Hurricanes’ staff as his stock continued to climb, and he ultimately landed offers from programs including Florida State, Ole Miss and UCF, among others. He is Miami’s second cornerback commit along with St. Thomas Aquinas four-star teammate Ryan Mack, who is listed as a safety but was recruited as a corner and nickelback.
Frederique is listed as the No. 936 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking and No. 93 cornerback.
The three-star recruit turned heads at one of Miami’s June prospect camps where he quickly emerged as the best cornerback on campus and was arguably one of the best players of any class to attend one of Miami’s June camps. He received high praise from general manager Alonzo Highsmith and Addae, who served as his primary recruiter.
His relationships with Cristobal and Addae were driving factors behind his decision to flip.
Frederique said he initially committed to West Virginia because of his bond with the coaching staff and the opportunity to play early, but it didn’t stop the Hurricanes from fighting for him. He was still willing to hear Miami out on his official visit, however, and he believed he would make a final decision after his Hurricanes’ official visit.
Miami cornerback Jaden Davis, a fellow St. Thomas Aquinas alum, served as his player host and made a compelling pitch about staying home in South Florida during his official visit June 23. Frederique said it was a difficult decision to walk away from West Virginia, although he is shutting down his recruitment.
“Why not pick a school you talk to every day?” Frederique said. “Knowing you’re from the crib, knowing they’ve got a great relationship with your parents.”
His commitment gives Miami 14 total commitments in the 2024 class and four defensive backs — one true safety, one nickelback, one nickelback/cornerback and one true corner.
CaneSport’s Take
Frederique’s stock has steadily climbed during 2023, and he’s steadily climbed on Miami’s board as well.
The Hurricanes kept a close eye on him throughout the year and were truly impressed by his performance at their prospect camp, where he gained substantial praise from the staff. His flip also represents the continued focus from Cristobal on rebuilding a fence around South Florida and extensive evaluation of Miami-area recruits, which the Hurricanes’ are banking on hitting in this class.
