Valentine High on Miami

Tito Benach
3 min read
2014 Champagnat defensive tackle Travonte Valentine is already rated as one of the top defensive linemen in the nation. But that doesn't stop him from going to multiple camps to display his talent, including this weekend's Nike 7-on-7 (with linemen) challenge.

“I’m trying to go against the O-line/D-line, just ball out and trying to win it for my team. Not only me, but for my team.”

While Valentine is quiet and humble when speaking about his talent, he does regard himself as a top defensive prospect.

“I’ve been dominating everybody so far. I don’t really see anybody out here so I’m just gonna compete.”

The 6’3, 300-pound linemen has made a good transition from Bayside High School in Brevard County down to Miami and Champagnat High School.

“It’s amazing. I got to know my team real quick so it feels pretty good knowing everything.”

As far as recruiting goes, the same three schools stay involved with him: Miami, Tennessee and Alabama. However, a new school has drawn his interest: LSU.

“LSU is new, because I heard that I’m the number one D-tackle on their recruiting board. I’m gonna check out LSU real soon.”

Valentine still seems to have heavy interest in the hometown Hurricanes as they remain one of his top schools.

“I went to go visit Miami last Saturday. I went to go see how I’m feeling right now with them. They’re pretty good, it felt good to talk with the coaches over there.”

Valentine participated in one of the Al Golden Football camps and enjoyed competing there.

“It’s fun man, I go against good competition. Even though I beat them, it’s still going to get me better.”

Valentine has built a strong relationship the ‘Canes staff and talks to them on a constant basis

“It’s good, they hit me up every morning before I go to school. It feels good talking to every coach in the morning. I talk to all the schools in the morning and it feels good.”

Valentine has changed his plans regarding a timeline for a decision and will look to make it a big one.

“I’m gonna announce my top 3 on November 15th and then I’m going to announce at the Army All-American game.”

So the question now remains, what must Miami do to make his top 3?

“With the way they’re recruiting me right now, they might as well just keep doing it because it’s working.”
 

Comments (33)

I don't mind him pushing the date back. That way he can see how we kick A** this year and then he better get on board or get left.
 
We 3 for 3 in Army All American Game announcements. Valentine don't be that guy
 
Im not surprised he pushed the date back especially if he's beasting at the AA game like he's beasting now
 
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so when is he committing to the Gaytors?
 
so when is he committing to the Gaytors?

he already did and decommitted. The better question is when is he headed to the SEC?
 
Clark was set to announce at the AA game this year before his commitment. If her were to opens things back up beforehand, it'll be one interesting weekend.
 
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No idea what to think with this guy. Absolute beast obviously, right there with Clark IMO. Seems we just can't close the deal though, for various reasons, and I just don't feel good here either.
 
I think he is better than Clark would love to have clark too but if we can get valentine im fine feeling good about him he truly like us
 
I think he is better than Clark would love to have clark too but if we can get valentine im fine feeling good about him he truly like us

I agree for now but Clark has a ton if room to get better which is pretty scary. Valentine does too but Clarks ceiling, or whatever the **** you want to call it, is as high as any player in this class I've seen if he puts it all together.

It would be sickening to miss both.
 
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No idea what to think with this guy. Absolute beast obviously, right there with Clark IMO. Seems we just can't close the deal though, for various reasons, and I just don't feel good here either.

I really think the best thing to do with Valentine is just put him out of mind and then if 2014 starts and he's on the roster be really f-ing happy. Between the grades, the troll rumors and our inability to recruit this position it just feels like it's better to not get too worried either way with him.
 
how far can he really be? he can be at a 2.9 that was reported here. he has a whole year to make up classes and pass the ones he is in now i just dont understand & multiple times to pass act and/or sat
 
No idea what to think with this guy. Absolute beast obviously, right there with Clark IMO. Seems we just can't close the deal though, for various reasons, and I just don't feel good here either.

I really think the best thing to do with Valentine is just put him out of mind and then if 2014 starts and he's on the roster be really f-ing happy. Between the grades, the troll rumors and our inability to recruit this position it just feels like it's better to not get too worried either way with him.

That's exactly where I am unfortunately. Call it whatever you want but Valentine, Lane, and Cook are amazing luxuries for me at this point.
 
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No idea what to think with this guy. Absolute beast obviously, right there with Clark IMO. Seems we just can't close the deal though, for various reasons, and I just don't feel good here either.

I really think the best thing to do with Valentine is just put him out of mind and then if 2014 starts and he's on the roster be really f-ing happy. Between the grades, the troll rumors and our inability to recruit this position it just feels like it's better to not get too worried either way with him.

That's exactly where I am unfortunately. Call it whatever you want but Valentine, Lane, and Cook are amazing luxuries for me at this point.

I'll call it being rational.
 
crossover22[]_[];1525156 said:
Kid scares me.

I'm not counting on him to be at Miami in 2014.

Even if he does commit to us (which I'm not expecting) too much negative stuff flying around with regards to his grades.
 
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