2021 Columbus (FL) C Ryan Rodriguez put pen to paper and became the 4th player to sign with the Miami Hurricanes today.
The 6-3, 280-pounder is currently a consensus 3-star in the national rankings. According to the 247Composite, Rodriguez is the #412 player nationally, the #7 C in the country, and the #65 player in Florida.
Recruiting Story
Rodriguez and his family have long been known as huge Miami fans, and ever since he received his offer from UM in mid-January, the Columbus star was expected to choose the Canes. Rodriguez was then able to visit Miami for both junior day in late January and in early March for a spring practice; it would be the only P5 visits he would make. Although he originally wanted to see some other schools before making a decision, the campus lockdowns prevented any other school from presenting a challenge to UM, even though it would have been a longshot for them regardless. Instead of continuing to delay the inevitable, Rodriguez decided to go ahead and end any doubt by committing to UM in late April 2020. He chose Miami over Ole Miss, Louisville, West Virginia, Wake Forest, and Syracuse among others.
Evaluation
Rodriguez played LT for a Columbus team that won their first state championship and helped pave the way for record-setting back Henry Parrish in 2019, but he projects on the interior in college and Miami likes him at center. He is an emerging prospect that has improved every step of the way and carries underrated physical traits. Big frame for a center with broad back, long arms, and strong hands, but could still stand to add more muscle mass. Plays through the whistle consistently and shows a high level of aggression. Doesn’t stop until he gets his man on the floor. A technically advanced prospect for his age that understands the position and how to use leverage, and Rodriguez also makes the most out of his hand placement. Going to excel in the run game at the next level, and any weaknesses in his pass sets will be aided by a move to the interior where he’ll have more help. Known as a strong leader in the locker room that sets a high standard that teammates follow.
I got an in-person look at Rodriguez at the Under Armour Miami Camp in March and he was certainly impressive. He anchored the line at center all day, went up against a deep defensive tackle field, and didn’t look out of place at all. In particular, he completely stoned Gators 4-star DL commit Tyreak Sapp on back-to-back reps. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see him outplay his ranking at the next level.
The Team
Starting center Corey Gaynor was arguably Miami best offensive lineman in 2020, as he took a big step forward in the consistency department this season. Cleveland Reed was listed as UM’s backup center this year, but Jakai Clark was most likely to take over the spot if Gaynor went down. All three will return in 2021.
Redshirt Probability: 7/10
If Rodriguez can continue to add more size in the next few months before the first game of his freshman season, he could certainly make a case to see playing time on a below average Miami line, although not enrolling for spring ball is going to be a setback for his chances at getting on the field in Year 1. Technically advanced, intelligent, tough on the field, and strong off of it, Rodriguez has the makeup of a prospect who plays early in their college career, but it’s more likely than not he takes a year to marinate and gain more muscle with Gaynor ahead of him. When Gaynor leaves, expect Rodriguez to battle it out with Clark and others for the starting center role. I also wouldn’t rule out him competing at guard like Clark has if he proves he is one of Miami’s better linemen right off the bat.
The 6-3, 280-pounder is currently a consensus 3-star in the national rankings. According to the 247Composite, Rodriguez is the #412 player nationally, the #7 C in the country, and the #65 player in Florida.
Recruiting Story
Rodriguez and his family have long been known as huge Miami fans, and ever since he received his offer from UM in mid-January, the Columbus star was expected to choose the Canes. Rodriguez was then able to visit Miami for both junior day in late January and in early March for a spring practice; it would be the only P5 visits he would make. Although he originally wanted to see some other schools before making a decision, the campus lockdowns prevented any other school from presenting a challenge to UM, even though it would have been a longshot for them regardless. Instead of continuing to delay the inevitable, Rodriguez decided to go ahead and end any doubt by committing to UM in late April 2020. He chose Miami over Ole Miss, Louisville, West Virginia, Wake Forest, and Syracuse among others.
Evaluation
Rodriguez played LT for a Columbus team that won their first state championship and helped pave the way for record-setting back Henry Parrish in 2019, but he projects on the interior in college and Miami likes him at center. He is an emerging prospect that has improved every step of the way and carries underrated physical traits. Big frame for a center with broad back, long arms, and strong hands, but could still stand to add more muscle mass. Plays through the whistle consistently and shows a high level of aggression. Doesn’t stop until he gets his man on the floor. A technically advanced prospect for his age that understands the position and how to use leverage, and Rodriguez also makes the most out of his hand placement. Going to excel in the run game at the next level, and any weaknesses in his pass sets will be aided by a move to the interior where he’ll have more help. Known as a strong leader in the locker room that sets a high standard that teammates follow.
I got an in-person look at Rodriguez at the Under Armour Miami Camp in March and he was certainly impressive. He anchored the line at center all day, went up against a deep defensive tackle field, and didn’t look out of place at all. In particular, he completely stoned Gators 4-star DL commit Tyreak Sapp on back-to-back reps. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see him outplay his ranking at the next level.
The Team
Starting center Corey Gaynor was arguably Miami best offensive lineman in 2020, as he took a big step forward in the consistency department this season. Cleveland Reed was listed as UM’s backup center this year, but Jakai Clark was most likely to take over the spot if Gaynor went down. All three will return in 2021.
Redshirt Probability: 7/10
If Rodriguez can continue to add more size in the next few months before the first game of his freshman season, he could certainly make a case to see playing time on a below average Miami line, although not enrolling for spring ball is going to be a setback for his chances at getting on the field in Year 1. Technically advanced, intelligent, tough on the field, and strong off of it, Rodriguez has the makeup of a prospect who plays early in their college career, but it’s more likely than not he takes a year to marinate and gain more muscle with Gaynor ahead of him. When Gaynor leaves, expect Rodriguez to battle it out with Clark and others for the starting center role. I also wouldn’t rule out him competing at guard like Clark has if he proves he is one of Miami’s better linemen right off the bat.
