The Bank (12/13)

Portal season is in full swing, and things are changing every day. Here is the latest from direct sources:

- The staff is holding the QB process very close to the vest this year. My best read is as follows: they believe they can win games with Emory Williams, he'll have every chance to compete, but they will aggressively monitor the Portal. Read into that what you will.

- Defensive back is a priority. CB Ethan O'Connor (Washington State) and CB Emmanuel Karnely (Arizona) are on campus right now. Several other visits at CB are being set up quietly. I expect the staff to allocate significant resources to this position, and it won't just be one player. Physical talent and snaps played are the key criteria. They don't want to take an Earl Little who never played at his previous stop, and they want to upgrade the length/athleticism at the position.

- Safety is also a priority. Two names Miami likes: Zechariah Poyser of Jacksonville State and Adrian Wilson of Washington State.

- The staff has a huge grade on Georgia Tech WR Eric Singleton. They are hopeful they can get a visit next week and are pushing hard.

- As I mentioned in another post, Miami is adjusting its recruiting strategy in consideration of the new roster rules. Teams will have more scholarships (105) but less roster spots, which means walk-ons are in danger. Miami is offering scholarships to inexperienced players such as Jonathan Cline (UCF) and Kavion Broussard (Ole Miss) because they are low-cost depth options. The team needs a certain amount of functional OL to run practice, and Coach Mirabal has shown ability to develop "projects" into starting-caliber players.

- The Canes are open to taking the right tight end. They want an all-around player who can run and catch. As far as RB depth, moving Elija Lofton to tailback (if necessary) is a legitimate option. He may be the best runner on the team.

- Three names who were big prizes last cycle and still project for major roles: WR JoJo Trader, WR Ny Carr and S Zaquan Patterson.

- Akheem Mesidor has not made his decision yet and he's one to watch. If he comes back, we are in much better shape at DE. Based on what I've gathered, I don't believe his draft grades warrant him early.

- As opposed to previous years, where we took several DTs, the staff is prioritizing quality over quantity at the position. Keeshawn Silver (Kentucky) and David Blay (Louisiana Tech) are names Miami likes. They want to place a legitimate dude next to homegrown products Justin Scott, Ahmad Moten, and Josh Horton (who has come on in practice).