Even as they prepare for Iowa State, the Canes are working on numerous fronts in the Portal. Here is the latest:
- My read from the building is that the Canes like their options at QB. It's true that the coaches and players like Emory Williams. Anybody with connections to the team will confirm that. But they were also extremely aggressive in pursuing Washington State transfer QB John Mateer, as reported by various national and Oklahoma sources. So watch the actions. The Canes are actively looking to improve the talent in that room and will continue to do so throughout the Portal period (which extends by five days for playoff teams eliminated from the tournament). Fernando Mendoza is a name that we like (and that I personally feel would be an improvement to the current room) but he is by no means the only target. I get the impression they feel better about their options now than they did last year, when so much rode on Cam Ward.
- Secondary recruiting could pick up quickly. Wisconsin CB Xavier Lucas just entered the Portal and the Canes are the heavy favorite. He is a Broward native and former teammate of OJ Frederique under CIS legend @Coach Macho. That reunion would give Miami perhaps the most talented pair of young corners in the conference. Lucas has three years of eligibility.
- Miami is also pursuing Michigan State CB corner (and Venice, FL native) Charles Brantley, who is one of the most experienced and proven corners in the Portal. There is strong mutual interest there. Arizona CB Emmanuel Karnley is another young, long, fast corner with three years of eligibility who Miami likes a lot. Ole Miss and Michigan are battling there.
- At safety, Miami is thrilled with the addition of Zechariah Poyser from Jacksonville State. He may have been the best safety in the Portal and has three years of eligibility. If we add another name as a boundary safety, watch for Adrian Wilson (Washington State).
- WR Kevin Concepcion is on campus now and having a good visit. He is a high-priority target.
- I expect Miami to add a starting C and will monitor names jumping in the Portal (that is an active market).
- WR CJ Daniels is considered a high-character, proven target with rave reviews from LSU staffers and others who have coached him. His contested-catch ability projects to be an improvement over anybody in our room last year.
- The DT name to know right now is David Blay, a 6'4, 300+pound late bloomer from Pennsylvania. He is visiting through the weekend. Miami would like to add a premium, productive target instead of a volume of low-ceiling players, as the room has improved through recruiting.
- My read from the building is that the Canes like their options at QB. It's true that the coaches and players like Emory Williams. Anybody with connections to the team will confirm that. But they were also extremely aggressive in pursuing Washington State transfer QB John Mateer, as reported by various national and Oklahoma sources. So watch the actions. The Canes are actively looking to improve the talent in that room and will continue to do so throughout the Portal period (which extends by five days for playoff teams eliminated from the tournament). Fernando Mendoza is a name that we like (and that I personally feel would be an improvement to the current room) but he is by no means the only target. I get the impression they feel better about their options now than they did last year, when so much rode on Cam Ward.
- Secondary recruiting could pick up quickly. Wisconsin CB Xavier Lucas just entered the Portal and the Canes are the heavy favorite. He is a Broward native and former teammate of OJ Frederique under CIS legend @Coach Macho. That reunion would give Miami perhaps the most talented pair of young corners in the conference. Lucas has three years of eligibility.
- Miami is also pursuing Michigan State CB corner (and Venice, FL native) Charles Brantley, who is one of the most experienced and proven corners in the Portal. There is strong mutual interest there. Arizona CB Emmanuel Karnley is another young, long, fast corner with three years of eligibility who Miami likes a lot. Ole Miss and Michigan are battling there.
- At safety, Miami is thrilled with the addition of Zechariah Poyser from Jacksonville State. He may have been the best safety in the Portal and has three years of eligibility. If we add another name as a boundary safety, watch for Adrian Wilson (Washington State).
- WR Kevin Concepcion is on campus now and having a good visit. He is a high-priority target.
- I expect Miami to add a starting C and will monitor names jumping in the Portal (that is an active market).
- WR CJ Daniels is considered a high-character, proven target with rave reviews from LSU staffers and others who have coached him. His contested-catch ability projects to be an improvement over anybody in our room last year.
- The DT name to know right now is David Blay, a 6'4, 300+pound late bloomer from Pennsylvania. He is visiting through the weekend. Miami would like to add a premium, productive target instead of a volume of low-ceiling players, as the room has improved through recruiting.
