We’ve been gone for a minute, so we’re taking some heavy withdrawals this week on the team, the Portal and recruiting. This is the latest I’ve been hearing from several of my best sources:
The Team
- Everybody wants to know about OC. Here's the truth- the circle of people who actually know what’s going is very small. It was the same way with the Gattis hire, which is why nothing real leaked. After speaking with excellent sources, I believe the circle is even smaller this time. Take everything with a grain of salt until you see the Bruce Feldman tweet.
- There are 23 new players on campus and, to this point, there is no buyer’s remorse on any of them. That’s not always the case, even in these early workouts. I preface this statement—and any of the other early impressions—by noting that these kids aren’t even practicing yet, much less playing games. These are just first impressions from workouts. Consider these tidbits for entertainment purposes only.
- The early reviews on OT Samson Okunlola are as good as I’ve ever heard. “He moves and is built like a #1 overall pick.” OT Francis Mauigoua also stacks up favorably, from a physical standpoint, to some of the first round picks Cristobal and Mirabal have coached in the past.
- The OL group as a whole has been transformed in terms of body types and athleticism. If there is any difference between the ’22 and ’23 teams, it starts there. OC Matt Lee and OG Javion Cohen are carrying themselves like veterans who know how to work. Lee in particular is already holding teammates accountable. OL Jalen Rivers and OL Anez Cooper were described as “elite human beings.” Note that these giants were both selected to the ACC All-Academic team. Add an NFL talent like LT Zion Nelson to the mix, and you have a Top 7 that is reminding our coaches of some of the great OL they’ve been around at Alabama and Oregon. Remember, these guys know what it looks like.
- Three transfers are making a strong impression: DT Branson Deen (Purdue) is showing explosive power in workouts that belies his 290-pound frame. CB Terry Roberts (Iowa) can run and was considered the fastest player in Iowa’s program, as well as its best special teams player. He brings leadership and position versatility, from outside corner, to nickel to safety. People joke about TE Cam McCormick (Oregon) as an 8th year player, but I’m told he has deceptive athleticism and is showing more receiving talent than people think.
- Spring is a time for players to step up and establish themselves as factors. There are certain players the folks in Hecht have a very close eye on, due to their talent and the needs at their position. Those names are S Markeith Williams, CB Chris Graves, DE Nyjalik Kelly, DT Ahmad Moten, WR Jacolby George, WR Isaiah Horton and WR Colby Young. We need some breakouts from this group.
- WR Ray Ray Joseph brings elite IQ and playmaking ability to the room. He should play right away. Two more freshmen with length who are developing quickly in the weight room: TE Riley Williams and QB Emory Williams.
Expect Miami to take two more WRs and a 300+ DT in the Portal. We are still firmly in the mix with WR Gary Bryant (USC). Arizona and TAMU are the competition there.
Recruiting
- March is shaping up to be a huge month for Miami with a lot of big-time kids getting on campus earlier than last year. Miami will take commitments, but their real goal is finishing even stronger than last year. This means getting kids on campus before they take an official. Visits are scarce, and Miami (along with many other programs) would have been in trouble if the NCAA didn’t expand the visit quota late in the cycle. Miami wants to make sure a kid has been thoroughly evaluated by the time he gets the official push.
- Miami’s relationship with Chaminade is extremely important, and they are in steady communication to get past any issues. S Zaquan Patterson and Miami have a lot of mutual interest. He is listed as a LB on 247, but Miami views him as a plus athlete with plenty of speed for safety. He just plays close to the line in high school because it’s best for Chaminade. Miami is also in good communication with elite WRs Jeremiah Smith and Joshisa Trader. Bottom line there- we need to win and score points.
- There are five QBs to keep your eye on at this stage, in no particular order: Julian Sayin (Carlsbad, CA, Alabama Commit), Luke Moga (Phoenix, AZ), Maui Smith (San Mateo, CA, same high school as Tom Brady), Michael Van Buren (Baltimore, MD) and Air Noland (Atlanta, GA).
- As much as the fans focus on the DT position, Mario is even more locked in. It is his personal mission to add five-star talent to that room. This will be one of the major stories of the 2024 class.
