The center position is one of Miami’s major needs for the 2014 class. With Nick Linder in the fold, many assume that the Canes are done looking. But Raul Diaz of Miami Central (6’1, 270 pounds) is putting together the type of off-season that may cause them to reconsider.
Despite a star-studded field that included Linder, Trevor Darling and K.C. McDermott, it was Diaz that took home NIKE Camp OL MVP honors. The First Team All-Dade selection followed that up with another sterling performance at this past weekend’s Under Armour Camp.
“There’s a lot of competition out here. I just tried my hardest, just worked hard and used what the coaches taught me to be successful.”
Diaz isn’t your typical lumbering offensive lineman. He plays first base and pitcher for the baseball team, and credits his footwork and hands for his success. But there’s another sport that he uses to hone his athletic ability.
“I play badminton to improve my footwork. Some people think it’s funny, but we take it serious. Our offensive line coach is actually the badminton coach, so we do a lot of footwork drills. Moving around, you have to hit that little ball.”
Diaz began his career as a defensive lineman for Columbus, but transferred to Central when his family moved to the area and his brother Brandon wanted an opportunity to play quarterback.
“The competition [at Central] makes you better because by the time you get to the playoffs, you have already been through everything. We play Booker T. this year, we play University School, I think we play American Heritage and we’re going out of state to New Jersey so we gotta get focused and work hard during the summer.”
Diaz has offers from Louisville, USF, NC State and Kentucky, but his hometown school looms large in his recruitment.
“Miami has called me. I’d love to go to UM, but I’m waiting on the offer. I’m working hard to get it.”
Diaz plans to attend the Al Golden Camp. If he continues to win his one-on-one battles, he could emerge as the pure center prospect this class is lacking.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrAbSoeI7gE
Despite a star-studded field that included Linder, Trevor Darling and K.C. McDermott, it was Diaz that took home NIKE Camp OL MVP honors. The First Team All-Dade selection followed that up with another sterling performance at this past weekend’s Under Armour Camp.
“There’s a lot of competition out here. I just tried my hardest, just worked hard and used what the coaches taught me to be successful.”
Diaz isn’t your typical lumbering offensive lineman. He plays first base and pitcher for the baseball team, and credits his footwork and hands for his success. But there’s another sport that he uses to hone his athletic ability.
“I play badminton to improve my footwork. Some people think it’s funny, but we take it serious. Our offensive line coach is actually the badminton coach, so we do a lot of footwork drills. Moving around, you have to hit that little ball.”
Diaz began his career as a defensive lineman for Columbus, but transferred to Central when his family moved to the area and his brother Brandon wanted an opportunity to play quarterback.
“The competition [at Central] makes you better because by the time you get to the playoffs, you have already been through everything. We play Booker T. this year, we play University School, I think we play American Heritage and we’re going out of state to New Jersey so we gotta get focused and work hard during the summer.”
Diaz has offers from Louisville, USF, NC State and Kentucky, but his hometown school looms large in his recruitment.
“Miami has called me. I’d love to go to UM, but I’m waiting on the offer. I’m working hard to get it.”
Diaz plans to attend the Al Golden Camp. If he continues to win his one-on-one battles, he could emerge as the pure center prospect this class is lacking.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrAbSoeI7gE
