Miami made the final 5 list for Maason SMith today. Miami, UGA, LSU, Alabama, UF
Here's what he told the Rivals national reporter:
"In terms of relationships, Miami defensive coordinator Blake Bakers recruited Smith while in the same role at Louisiana Tech and had the opportunity to host Smith on-campus last year. Miami's success to open the 2020 season -- paired with the success of their defensive line -- has been intriguing to the No. 1 defensive tackle.
Miami defensive line coach Todd Stroud has also had a major impact on the Hurricanes' pursuit of Smith.
"To be honest, I think Miami's defensive scheme fits me the best out of any school," Smith said. "The way they let their defensive line attack, attack, attack. They run consistent four-down defensive line and my relationship with Coach Baker is like any other coaches -- especially as the coordinator -- I probably have the best relationship like I do with Coach Pete (at Alabama) or Coach (Dan) Lanning (from Georgia). All three are my dudes and I talk to them all the time. Coach Stroud keeps them in a vertical setting, and with them, you know what you're gonna get and you have to try and stop it, and I like that."