It's been a while, so it's time to empty the recruiting notebook for the Bank. Let's go position-by-position:
- Luke Nickel (Alpharetta, GA) is locked in at quarterback and is having a good senior season. I continue to expect Miami to monitor the Portal and potentially add a proven signal caller.
- RB Girard Pringle (Seffner, FL) is committed and wowing the staff with his combination of speed, quickness and toughness. As we've been reporting, I don't see a second back in the class unless something changes.
- WRs Josh Moore (West Broward) and Daylyn Upshaw (Phenix City, AL) are committed and Miami is happy with both. Malachi Toney (American Heritage) decommitted but remains in play. The biggest name is Vernell Brown III (Orlando) and Miami will continue to push there.
- The staff is ecstatic with the senior film for Brock Schott (Leo, IN) and Luka Gilbert (Cincinnati). They believe they have an elite haul there.
- One name drawing particular buzz on the OL- SJ Alofaituli (Las Vegas). After watching his senior film, some in the building believe he is the best OL in the entire nation. You don't know for sure until he gets here, but I get the sense he is in the Rueben Bain, Francis Mauigoa, Elija Lofton category as an instant impact player.
- DE Herbert Scroggins III (Savannah) is locked in and Miami loves what he brings at JACK linebacker. Strong, productive, bendy, and plays hard with high-end intangibles. DE Hayden Lowe (Los Angeles) is considered a first round-type talent and Miami feels good about its momentum with the USC commit. Keep an eye on that one.
- The Canes are very happy with the senior film for DT commits Mykah Newton (Newberry, FL) and Donta Simpson (Chaminade). The primary target for a flip is Ohio State commit Jarquez Carter (Newberry). He is a major priority. I expect Elijah Griffin (Savannah) to commit to Georgia, but Miami will keep working there.
- Gavin Nix (IMG) and Ezekiel Marcelin (Central) are leading their respective defenses as expected. The Canes would like to add one more. The names to watch: Kellen Wiley (Seffner, FL) and Ohio State commit TJ Alford (Vero Beach, FL).
- The two biggest names to watch, at DB and in general, are DJ Pickett (Riverview, FL) and Ben Hanks (Miami). The Canes are pushing hard for both and there is movement. Jaboree Antoine (New Iberia, LA) suffered a season-ending injury, but should recover fully. He is visiting in a couple weeks and was having an outstanding senior year.
- There are a few names I wanted to highlight on the current team. One guy who isn't talked about externally but is considered a big-time player inside the building is Matthew McCoy. Some feel he is the best NFL prospect on the line. Some young names who are starting to emerge: JoJo Trader, Ny Carr and Armondo Blount. Elija Lofton and Jordan Lyle already have big roles, but those roles will increase. And keep an eye out for a guy who has been out with injury but is finally cleared: S Isaiah Thomas (Clearwater, FL). Excited to see what he looks like now that he's healthy.
- Luke Nickel (Alpharetta, GA) is locked in at quarterback and is having a good senior season. I continue to expect Miami to monitor the Portal and potentially add a proven signal caller.
- RB Girard Pringle (Seffner, FL) is committed and wowing the staff with his combination of speed, quickness and toughness. As we've been reporting, I don't see a second back in the class unless something changes.
- WRs Josh Moore (West Broward) and Daylyn Upshaw (Phenix City, AL) are committed and Miami is happy with both. Malachi Toney (American Heritage) decommitted but remains in play. The biggest name is Vernell Brown III (Orlando) and Miami will continue to push there.
- The staff is ecstatic with the senior film for Brock Schott (Leo, IN) and Luka Gilbert (Cincinnati). They believe they have an elite haul there.
- One name drawing particular buzz on the OL- SJ Alofaituli (Las Vegas). After watching his senior film, some in the building believe he is the best OL in the entire nation. You don't know for sure until he gets here, but I get the sense he is in the Rueben Bain, Francis Mauigoa, Elija Lofton category as an instant impact player.
- DE Herbert Scroggins III (Savannah) is locked in and Miami loves what he brings at JACK linebacker. Strong, productive, bendy, and plays hard with high-end intangibles. DE Hayden Lowe (Los Angeles) is considered a first round-type talent and Miami feels good about its momentum with the USC commit. Keep an eye on that one.
- The Canes are very happy with the senior film for DT commits Mykah Newton (Newberry, FL) and Donta Simpson (Chaminade). The primary target for a flip is Ohio State commit Jarquez Carter (Newberry). He is a major priority. I expect Elijah Griffin (Savannah) to commit to Georgia, but Miami will keep working there.
- Gavin Nix (IMG) and Ezekiel Marcelin (Central) are leading their respective defenses as expected. The Canes would like to add one more. The names to watch: Kellen Wiley (Seffner, FL) and Ohio State commit TJ Alford (Vero Beach, FL).
- The two biggest names to watch, at DB and in general, are DJ Pickett (Riverview, FL) and Ben Hanks (Miami). The Canes are pushing hard for both and there is movement. Jaboree Antoine (New Iberia, LA) suffered a season-ending injury, but should recover fully. He is visiting in a couple weeks and was having an outstanding senior year.
- There are a few names I wanted to highlight on the current team. One guy who isn't talked about externally but is considered a big-time player inside the building is Matthew McCoy. Some feel he is the best NFL prospect on the line. Some young names who are starting to emerge: JoJo Trader, Ny Carr and Armondo Blount. Elija Lofton and Jordan Lyle already have big roles, but those roles will increase. And keep an eye out for a guy who has been out with injury but is finally cleared: S Isaiah Thomas (Clearwater, FL). Excited to see what he looks like now that he's healthy.
