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2019 Jesuit 3-star S Dane Belton was invited to campus for Miami’s Junior Day two weeks ago, and figured he would experience firsthand what life would be like as a Hurricane.
“It was great. Got to see their practice and the enthusiasm they had practicing, and the energy they had is something I want to be a part of,” Belton said. “Also, nothing can beat putting on the uniforms so that was awesome getting to see yourself in their uniform.”
The Tampa native is still working on getting an offer from Miami, but is in regular contact with two of the young guns on Miami’s staff.
“I speak with coach Patke and coach Banda the most, but mostly coach Patke,” Belton said. “I feel like I have a good relationship with them, a relationship that is building stronger. They really just tell me how I would fit in the defense at the nickel position and how I could make plays and fit with the great defense they have.”
Just what is it about the Canes that attracts Belton to UM?
“I love the school (academics wise), the team how they play with energy and have fun with what they are doing,” Belton said. “Also, it is not too far from home, so a lot of family would be able to see me play. Also, the fans show so much love even though I don’t have an offer yet, it’s just a place that is all connected.”
Belton flew out to the west coast to visit USC and the Trojans this past weekend, and will soon be in Tuscasloosa as well. Between those trips, though, he hopes to make it back to Miami to view their spring game at Hard Rock Stadium this upcoming weekend.
“I would love to come back on an official visit, but I am planning on possibly attending their spring game,” said Belton. “I am visiting Alabama on the 21st.”
The 6’1.5”, 185 pounder is aware of Miami’s recent success relative to their past droughts, but Belton says he’s always had an affinity for the stability that UM can bring.
“I don’t think their recent season added more interest of mine towards them because I know how solid a program they are known to be and what they can do for players,” Belton said. “I do expect Miami so have a solid season this upcoming year. I know the coaches and the players are putting in work and it’ll play off this fall.”
While Belton names no leaders or top groups, he has a handful of schools in mind that he hears from the most. And if the Canes offered, they’d certainly be right in the mix.
“I don’t have any leaders yet, but Missouri, Indiana, Toledo, West Virginia, and Rutgers recruit me the hardest. If Miami offered, they would definitely be around the top,” Belton said. “I love what they’re doing and would love to be a part of it.”
At Jesuit, Belton is good friends with tight end Larry Hodges, who is a UM commit in Surge19. Belton admits going together to Miami is something the pair discusses frequently.
“Larry is one of my closest friends and we talk about the possibility of both of us going to Miami together a lot,” Belton said. “We talk about if we were roommates and I admit that would be very cool.”
While Belton plans to end his recruitment before his senior season to focus on his team, it’s not out of the question he could push things back if nobody is standing out by then. Belton is most focused on how a program can benefit him outside of football, as well as a comfortable environment.
“I’m looking to commit around August before the season, but if I feel I’m not quite ready and still have things to see then I will hold off a little longer,” Belton said. “In a school, I am looking for a place with great academics which I can thrive in and obtain a meaningful degree, a place that has a lot of benefits and help for life after football, a place with a team that loves to win, and a family-type bond between the teammates and coaches.”
And what is Belton excited about going into his senior year?
“For my senior year, I’m focusing on finding things extra to do to help my team reach our goals,” said Belton. “I am looking forward to playing with my brothers one last year and continuing to be a person they can look up to and talk to about anything.”
“It was great. Got to see their practice and the enthusiasm they had practicing, and the energy they had is something I want to be a part of,” Belton said. “Also, nothing can beat putting on the uniforms so that was awesome getting to see yourself in their uniform.”
The Tampa native is still working on getting an offer from Miami, but is in regular contact with two of the young guns on Miami’s staff.
“I speak with coach Patke and coach Banda the most, but mostly coach Patke,” Belton said. “I feel like I have a good relationship with them, a relationship that is building stronger. They really just tell me how I would fit in the defense at the nickel position and how I could make plays and fit with the great defense they have.”
Just what is it about the Canes that attracts Belton to UM?
“I love the school (academics wise), the team how they play with energy and have fun with what they are doing,” Belton said. “Also, it is not too far from home, so a lot of family would be able to see me play. Also, the fans show so much love even though I don’t have an offer yet, it’s just a place that is all connected.”
Belton flew out to the west coast to visit USC and the Trojans this past weekend, and will soon be in Tuscasloosa as well. Between those trips, though, he hopes to make it back to Miami to view their spring game at Hard Rock Stadium this upcoming weekend.
“I would love to come back on an official visit, but I am planning on possibly attending their spring game,” said Belton. “I am visiting Alabama on the 21st.”
The 6’1.5”, 185 pounder is aware of Miami’s recent success relative to their past droughts, but Belton says he’s always had an affinity for the stability that UM can bring.
“I don’t think their recent season added more interest of mine towards them because I know how solid a program they are known to be and what they can do for players,” Belton said. “I do expect Miami so have a solid season this upcoming year. I know the coaches and the players are putting in work and it’ll play off this fall.”
While Belton names no leaders or top groups, he has a handful of schools in mind that he hears from the most. And if the Canes offered, they’d certainly be right in the mix.
“I don’t have any leaders yet, but Missouri, Indiana, Toledo, West Virginia, and Rutgers recruit me the hardest. If Miami offered, they would definitely be around the top,” Belton said. “I love what they’re doing and would love to be a part of it.”
At Jesuit, Belton is good friends with tight end Larry Hodges, who is a UM commit in Surge19. Belton admits going together to Miami is something the pair discusses frequently.
“Larry is one of my closest friends and we talk about the possibility of both of us going to Miami together a lot,” Belton said. “We talk about if we were roommates and I admit that would be very cool.”
While Belton plans to end his recruitment before his senior season to focus on his team, it’s not out of the question he could push things back if nobody is standing out by then. Belton is most focused on how a program can benefit him outside of football, as well as a comfortable environment.
“I’m looking to commit around August before the season, but if I feel I’m not quite ready and still have things to see then I will hold off a little longer,” Belton said. “In a school, I am looking for a place with great academics which I can thrive in and obtain a meaningful degree, a place that has a lot of benefits and help for life after football, a place with a team that loves to win, and a family-type bond between the teammates and coaches.”
And what is Belton excited about going into his senior year?
“For my senior year, I’m focusing on finding things extra to do to help my team reach our goals,” said Belton. “I am looking forward to playing with my brothers one last year and continuing to be a person they can look up to and talk to about anything.”
