Ever since offensive coordinator and QB coach Rhett Lashlee joined the Miami Hurricanes last month, one of his top priorities has been to lock up a quarterback for UM’s 2021 class. Three weeks back, that search expanded to Alpharetta, Georgia when Lashlee visited Denmark High and extended an offer to 4-star QB Aaron McLaughlin.
“I just talked to coach Lashlee after he came by the school that day. Later that night, he called and told me I had an offer there, it was pretty exciting,” McLaughlin said of his UM offer. “I definitely want to get down there and check it out when the dead period is over, I’m excited to go see what it’s like. [Lashlee] said that when I come down and visit, he’ll tell me more about how I’d fit into his offense.”
Since then, McLaughlin has been busy building a relationship with Lashlee, but their connection actually extends back to 2016.
“We talk probably about once a week, he’ll text me every once and awhile and see how I’m doing,” McLaughlin said of Lashlee. “He’s a great guy, I like him a lot. He had come by my school and I had first met him when he was at Auburn, so I’ve known him for awhile.”
Lashlee would leave Auburn by the end of 2016, but interestingly enough, the Tigers were the program McLaughlin first committed to in July of 2019. However, just two weeks ago, McLaughlin decided to open things back up and decommit from AU with former OC Kenny Dillingham headed to FSU.
“It was mostly the coaching changes, I wanted to step back and make sure I’m making the best decision for my future - I’ll still consider them,” McLaughlin said of his Auburn decommitment. “I decommitted for a reason, but I’m not completely shutting them out.”
Taking a step back has opened the door for a school like Miami, a place McLaughlin admits has peaked his interest recently.
“Just the direction it’s headed, I definitely think they’ve had some good recruiting classes the last few years, and with coach Lashlee, I think the offense is going to really pick up,” McLaughlin said of Miami. “Along with the tradition and the history of the school, the football program is very rich. It’s very intriguing.”
Now back on the market, McLaughlin has heard from multiple new schools, including the Canes, and he says he will be setting up visits to some of those programs in March in anticipation of a summer decision.
“NC State, Louisville, Rutgers has been talking to me a lot lately, Miami – a bunch of other schools too, but those are the main ones,” McLaughlin said. “I’ll probably make a decision over summer. I want to do it early enough where I can help recruit and build up the class. I’m not saying it’s certain I’ll do it over summer, but it’s probably when I will.”
With an eye on playing at the highest level of the game, it’s clear McLaughlin will prioritize skill development when choosing a school.
“I want to be developed to be able to play in the NFL if given the opportunity, so I guess I’m looking for a school that can develop me into a good football player,” McLaughlin said. “Also, a place where I feel at home and can get a good education as well.”
In 10 games for the Danes during his junior season, McLaughlin recorded 2,018 passing yards, a 17-7 TD-INT split, and a 60.9% completion percentage. He also added 284 yards rushing and 9 TD’s on the ground.
“I have a really, really strong arm, I can sit in the pocket and make every throw on the field,” McLaughlin said. “But when the play breaks down, I’m super athletic and can extend the play and make things happen. So, I guess you’re getting the best of both worlds with me is what I look at it as.
“This offseason, I’ve just been throwing a bunch, working out - speed, agility, lifting. Just been watching film and stuff, so my goal would be to continue to develop overall.”
At the Opening Atlanta Regional last March, McLaughlin posted a 4.84 40-yard dash, a 4.38 shuttle time, and a 34.30 inch vertical leap.
“I just talked to coach Lashlee after he came by the school that day. Later that night, he called and told me I had an offer there, it was pretty exciting,” McLaughlin said of his UM offer. “I definitely want to get down there and check it out when the dead period is over, I’m excited to go see what it’s like. [Lashlee] said that when I come down and visit, he’ll tell me more about how I’d fit into his offense.”
Since then, McLaughlin has been busy building a relationship with Lashlee, but their connection actually extends back to 2016.
“We talk probably about once a week, he’ll text me every once and awhile and see how I’m doing,” McLaughlin said of Lashlee. “He’s a great guy, I like him a lot. He had come by my school and I had first met him when he was at Auburn, so I’ve known him for awhile.”
Lashlee would leave Auburn by the end of 2016, but interestingly enough, the Tigers were the program McLaughlin first committed to in July of 2019. However, just two weeks ago, McLaughlin decided to open things back up and decommit from AU with former OC Kenny Dillingham headed to FSU.
“It was mostly the coaching changes, I wanted to step back and make sure I’m making the best decision for my future - I’ll still consider them,” McLaughlin said of his Auburn decommitment. “I decommitted for a reason, but I’m not completely shutting them out.”
Taking a step back has opened the door for a school like Miami, a place McLaughlin admits has peaked his interest recently.
“Just the direction it’s headed, I definitely think they’ve had some good recruiting classes the last few years, and with coach Lashlee, I think the offense is going to really pick up,” McLaughlin said of Miami. “Along with the tradition and the history of the school, the football program is very rich. It’s very intriguing.”
Now back on the market, McLaughlin has heard from multiple new schools, including the Canes, and he says he will be setting up visits to some of those programs in March in anticipation of a summer decision.
“NC State, Louisville, Rutgers has been talking to me a lot lately, Miami – a bunch of other schools too, but those are the main ones,” McLaughlin said. “I’ll probably make a decision over summer. I want to do it early enough where I can help recruit and build up the class. I’m not saying it’s certain I’ll do it over summer, but it’s probably when I will.”
With an eye on playing at the highest level of the game, it’s clear McLaughlin will prioritize skill development when choosing a school.
“I want to be developed to be able to play in the NFL if given the opportunity, so I guess I’m looking for a school that can develop me into a good football player,” McLaughlin said. “Also, a place where I feel at home and can get a good education as well.”
In 10 games for the Danes during his junior season, McLaughlin recorded 2,018 passing yards, a 17-7 TD-INT split, and a 60.9% completion percentage. He also added 284 yards rushing and 9 TD’s on the ground.
“I have a really, really strong arm, I can sit in the pocket and make every throw on the field,” McLaughlin said. “But when the play breaks down, I’m super athletic and can extend the play and make things happen. So, I guess you’re getting the best of both worlds with me is what I look at it as.
“This offseason, I’ve just been throwing a bunch, working out - speed, agility, lifting. Just been watching film and stuff, so my goal would be to continue to develop overall.”
At the Opening Atlanta Regional last March, McLaughlin posted a 4.84 40-yard dash, a 4.38 shuttle time, and a 34.30 inch vertical leap.
