It’s been a while, as I wanted to let some dust settle before giving you the latest, direct information on the team and recruiting. I broke the Bank up into two sections- the latest on the new arrivals and the 2024 team can be found HERE.
The main thing I wanted to do here is identify some of the top targets in the Class of 2025. There is a lot of noise around this time, but often it is focused on guys the staff doesn’t really care about. At the Bank, we try to weed out the guys we aren’t recruiting and be the first to identify names to watch (OJ Frederique, Cole McConathy, Markel Bell etc.)
Here are some key names to watch as recruiting heats up this spring. Note that some names are left off for a reason. That doesn’t mean this list complete- sources always forget some names and evaluations are still in progress. But this is a good starting point. Let’s go position by position:
QB- Miami is locked in on Luke Nickel (Alpharetta, GA) and Luke Nickel is locked in on Miami. While Miami visited some QBs last week, I don’t expect to hear much more of that unless something unexpected happens with Nickel’s commitment. He is the guy.
RB- While Alvin Henderson (Elba, AL) has gotten the most buzz to this point, the board may be seeing a shakeup with the departure of Tim Harris. Miami is very high on Ousmane Kromah (Leesburg, GA). Byron Louis (American Heritage) is more of an option than his teammate Deandre Desinor (American Heritage) due to size. One unrated name to keep an eye on- 5’9, 200 bowling ball Joseph Troupe (Tampa).
WR- The Canes love the in-state crop at the position. The staff is sky high on Jaime Ffrench (Jacksonville), Dallas Wilson (Tampa), Vernell Brown (Orlando) and Tyler Williams (Riverview, FL). They will also recruit Ohio State commit Jayvan Boggs (Cocoa, FL). The top two local names- Cortez Mills (Homestead) and Joshua Moore (West Broward). Moore battled injury as a junior, but was outstanding in camp and as a sophomore.
TE- This is the deepest position on the board. Names to watch include Luka Gilbert (West Chester, OH), who is on campus now, Brock Schott (Leo, IN), Kiotti Armstrong (Jasper, TX), fast-rising Hayden Bradley (Bugford, GA), Thomas Meyer (Clear Lake, Iowa), Marshall Pritchett (Rabun Gap, GA) and Hollis Davidson (Peachtree City, GA).
OL- One thing I heard- they haven’t seen as many athletic, big bodies as usual during the evaluation process. Some guys are athletic but narrow, while some big guys are too slow. One name that Miami loves who has size and athleticism- Owen Strebig (Waukesha, WI). Jaelyne Matthews (Toms River, NJ) is another guy the staff loves. Cortez Smith (Lilburn, GA) is another national kid that ranks high on the board. In terms of in-state talent, Miami would love to flip Solomon Thomas (Jacksonville) from Florida State. They also really like Ziyare Addison (Riverview, FL), Max Buchanan (Sanford, FL) and Lamar Williams (Havana, FL), who has an enormous frame (6’7, 280+).
DL- Jarquez Carter (Newberry, FL) and Myron Charles (Port Charlotte, FL) are two in-state kids who have outstanding film. Miami is after both of them. Randy Adirika (Miami Central) is the best local kid and Miami wants him. Iose Epenesa (Edwardsville, IL) is one of the top players on the entire board. Miami also likes Marco Jones (Danville, CA) as an edge rusher and Nathanial Marshall (Oak Park, IL) inside. Zion Grady (Enterprise, AL) may not look like your classic five-star EDGE but he is a natural rusher that Miami covets.
LB- The staff is extremely excited about commit Elijah Melendez (Kissimme, FL). Zayden Walker (Ellaville, GA) is one of the top players on the board and there is mutual interest. Miami is after both Gavin Nix and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng from IMG. I get the sense Nix is the stronger target of the two. Locally, Miami has targeted Ezekiel Marcelin (Miami Central) and Ty Jackson (Seminole Ridge). TJ Alford (Vero Beach) is another name to watch. Despite reports, I don’t believe Mantrez Walker (Buford, GA) is in the mix.
DB- While South Florida as a whole is down for the second straight year, this is a solid group of defensive backs. Bryce Fitzgerald (Columbus), Ben Hanks (Booker T), Amari Wallace (Central) and Gregory Xavier Thomas (American Heritage) are all firmly on the board. Miami is also pushing for DJ Pickett (Zephyrhills, FL), Hylton Stubbs (Jacksonville), Vanderbilt commit Carson Lawrence (Chattanooga, TN) and Dallas Golden (Tampa), who is best friends with RB target Joseph Troupe.
