Linebacker is a huge need for the 2020 class, and the Miami Hurricanes have continued to expand their board at the position to keep up with the demand. Just last week, the Canes offered three more LB’s, and one of those bids went to Pinellas Park (FL) 3-star AJ Mathis, who also goes by Alvin.
“It was very exciting,” Mathis said. “I was texting with coach (Jon) Patke and then he told me to give him a call and he gave the news over the phone.”
The next step is to take a visit to Miami, and Mathis has already gotten out ahead there: the 6’1” 200 pound prospect will be on campus today along with close friend and 4-star Largo LB Jayion McCluster to watch practice and get to know the coaching staff better. Mathis feels this visit will go a long way in determining just how interested he’ll be in the Hurricanes going forward.
“I’m going to keep it mutual with them for a little bit so I can see how things go,” Mathis said of UM. “When I get to know the coaches and see how I like it, I’ll know more. But since I have the offer now, I’m holding off my top three to see if they can get in it.”
What most attracts him about playing for the Canes?
“That dog defense they play,” Mathis said.
A big-time junior season at Pinellas Park helped Mathis expand his recruiting profile, and the talented linebacker recorded 86 tackles, 9 TFL, 2 sacks, and 5 fumble recoveries in 2018 on his way to first team All-District honors.
“I’m hearing from Florida, Auburn, Vanderbilt, and Missouri, Penn state and Kentucky a little bit too,” Mathis said. “No other visits planned yet, but I’m setting stuff up for summer, though.”
As he is in no rush to make a decision, Mathis is going to take his time and make sure he finds the best fit for his abilities.
“I want to decide before the season or right after,” Mathis said. “I’m looking for a place I fit in best and feels like home.”
“It was very exciting,” Mathis said. “I was texting with coach (Jon) Patke and then he told me to give him a call and he gave the news over the phone.”
The next step is to take a visit to Miami, and Mathis has already gotten out ahead there: the 6’1” 200 pound prospect will be on campus today along with close friend and 4-star Largo LB Jayion McCluster to watch practice and get to know the coaching staff better. Mathis feels this visit will go a long way in determining just how interested he’ll be in the Hurricanes going forward.
“I’m going to keep it mutual with them for a little bit so I can see how things go,” Mathis said of UM. “When I get to know the coaches and see how I like it, I’ll know more. But since I have the offer now, I’m holding off my top three to see if they can get in it.”
What most attracts him about playing for the Canes?
“That dog defense they play,” Mathis said.
A big-time junior season at Pinellas Park helped Mathis expand his recruiting profile, and the talented linebacker recorded 86 tackles, 9 TFL, 2 sacks, and 5 fumble recoveries in 2018 on his way to first team All-District honors.
“I’m hearing from Florida, Auburn, Vanderbilt, and Missouri, Penn state and Kentucky a little bit too,” Mathis said. “No other visits planned yet, but I’m setting stuff up for summer, though.”
As he is in no rush to make a decision, Mathis is going to take his time and make sure he finds the best fit for his abilities.
“I want to decide before the season or right after,” Mathis said. “I’m looking for a place I fit in best and feels like home.”
