- The hottest name on the board is Stranahan WR Hykeem Williams. It's still a battle, but Miami has more positive momentum here than they've had in a while. He is a major priority and is viewed internally as a difference-maker.
- As of today, I expect Malik Bryant (Orlando) to commit to Miami on July 23rd and give Cristobal another Top 50 player.
- OL Samson Okunlola (Brockton, MA) remains the jewel of the entire class. I like where Miami sits and could see this one getting resolved in July. Olaus Alinen (Finland) has been all over Miami on social media and we feel good. He is someone who seems to appreciate the attention of the fanbase, so those who post on social media should keep it coming. I continue to expect Tommy Kinsler (Ocala) in the class, even with his pushed back announcement date. He is considered a big-time talent internally. Payton Kirkland (Orlando) and Monroe Freeling (Mt. Pleasant, SC) remain major targets and there is traction with both. I expect us to land the top OL class in the country.
- There has been Florida buzz on WR Andy Jean (Northwestern), but I continue to expect him in this class and possibly sooner than later. Williams and Jean would wrap up a spectacular WR class for the Canes.
- WR William Fowles (Dade Christian) is heating up and just had an eye-opening weekend at the TuTu Atwell 7on7 tournament. The coaching staff is intrigued. I saw him in-person at the Under Armour Camp and thought he was the most impressive guy there.
- Ohio State is making a hard run at S Jayden Bonsu (Hillside, NJ) but I still like Miami there. He can play safety or striker- elite body type, very smart, versatile, physical and mature with a great background. He reminds me of a much more violent Gilbert Frierson.
- S Joenel Aguero (Lynn, MA ) is going to be a seesaw battle until the end. It would be ideal to get him back to Miami for the July cookout.
- There are a bunch of kids named Jordan Hall in this class, but DT Jordan "Big Baby" Hall (Jacksonville) is the name to watch for the Canes. That will be a tough one with Georgia heavily involved.
- As we mentioned in the Bank last week, LB Raul "Popo" Aguirre has been trending to Miami. His commitment gives the Canes what one source described as "the perfect LB for the Cristobal era." He is a throwback with passion, intelligence and a love of contact. He can also run and has seen snaps on offense.
- I mentioned IMG CB Desmond Ricks as a '24 target to watch last week. The local guys to watch are Chaminade WRs JoJo Trader and Jeremiah Smith. They are at the top of the overall board and were described as the Pied Pipers of their class. They are close with recent 2024 Dillard CB commit Antoine Jackson, and that trio can lead a local movement if they can jump on board early.
- Class size is very much subject to change right now. It can be anywhere from 26 to 32. We are in play for a ton of priority targets and we haven't even started winning yet. It is also hard to predict attrition. The staff believes that even more major names can jump in the boat if the season goes well.
- Two '22 names that have made an early impression: WRs Isaiah Horton and Colbie Young. Multiple sources have commented on Horton's upside, calling him special. I saw him myself on Sunday and he is every bit of 6'3-6'4. Young's dimensions have been called "freakish." Disclaimer: it is still extremely early and we will know much more when camp starts, but the early returns are good.
- As of today, I expect Malik Bryant (Orlando) to commit to Miami on July 23rd and give Cristobal another Top 50 player.
- OL Samson Okunlola (Brockton, MA) remains the jewel of the entire class. I like where Miami sits and could see this one getting resolved in July. Olaus Alinen (Finland) has been all over Miami on social media and we feel good. He is someone who seems to appreciate the attention of the fanbase, so those who post on social media should keep it coming. I continue to expect Tommy Kinsler (Ocala) in the class, even with his pushed back announcement date. He is considered a big-time talent internally. Payton Kirkland (Orlando) and Monroe Freeling (Mt. Pleasant, SC) remain major targets and there is traction with both. I expect us to land the top OL class in the country.
- There has been Florida buzz on WR Andy Jean (Northwestern), but I continue to expect him in this class and possibly sooner than later. Williams and Jean would wrap up a spectacular WR class for the Canes.
- WR William Fowles (Dade Christian) is heating up and just had an eye-opening weekend at the TuTu Atwell 7on7 tournament. The coaching staff is intrigued. I saw him in-person at the Under Armour Camp and thought he was the most impressive guy there.
- Ohio State is making a hard run at S Jayden Bonsu (Hillside, NJ) but I still like Miami there. He can play safety or striker- elite body type, very smart, versatile, physical and mature with a great background. He reminds me of a much more violent Gilbert Frierson.
- S Joenel Aguero (Lynn, MA ) is going to be a seesaw battle until the end. It would be ideal to get him back to Miami for the July cookout.
- There are a bunch of kids named Jordan Hall in this class, but DT Jordan "Big Baby" Hall (Jacksonville) is the name to watch for the Canes. That will be a tough one with Georgia heavily involved.
- As we mentioned in the Bank last week, LB Raul "Popo" Aguirre has been trending to Miami. His commitment gives the Canes what one source described as "the perfect LB for the Cristobal era." He is a throwback with passion, intelligence and a love of contact. He can also run and has seen snaps on offense.
- I mentioned IMG CB Desmond Ricks as a '24 target to watch last week. The local guys to watch are Chaminade WRs JoJo Trader and Jeremiah Smith. They are at the top of the overall board and were described as the Pied Pipers of their class. They are close with recent 2024 Dillard CB commit Antoine Jackson, and that trio can lead a local movement if they can jump on board early.
- Class size is very much subject to change right now. It can be anywhere from 26 to 32. We are in play for a ton of priority targets and we haven't even started winning yet. It is also hard to predict attrition. The staff believes that even more major names can jump in the boat if the season goes well.
- Two '22 names that have made an early impression: WRs Isaiah Horton and Colbie Young. Multiple sources have commented on Horton's upside, calling him special. I saw him myself on Sunday and he is every bit of 6'3-6'4. Young's dimensions have been called "freakish." Disclaimer: it is still extremely early and we will know much more when camp starts, but the early returns are good.
