It’s been a while, but we’ve been working. Here is the latest in Canes recruiting.
- All offseason, Miami sources emphasized to me that they expected on-field success to jump start recruiting. They have been building relationships for a long time and now they are delivering the results. Nothing imminent, but the three biggest fish to monitor through December- WR Jeremiah Smith (Chaminade), CB Ellis Robinson (IMG) and DT David Stone (IMG).
- While winning will help with the 2024 class, it will do even more with the 2025 class. Miami kicked it off with a big commitment from WR Waden Charles (Palm Beach Central). I don’t expect Miami to slow down. Some names to watch (not an exhaustive list): DT Armondo Blount (Central), S DJ Pickett (Tampa), LB Zayden Walker (Ellaville, GA), RB Waltez Clark (Tampa), WR Joshua Moore (West Broward), TE Logan Brooking (Savannah), WR Vernell Brown (Orlando) and DB Bryce Fitzgerald (Columbus). It’s also notable that Blount has struck up a friendship with #1 overall player OT David Sanders (Charlotte).
- As we first reported, Miami is making a strong run at Georgia commit WR Ny Carr (Moultrie, GA) and there is mutual interest. His senior highlights are freakish. Some other names on the WR board: commits Chance Robinson (STA) and JoJo Trader (Chaminade), Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Wingo (St. Louis), Nebraska commit WR Jacory Barney (Palmetto) Gator commit WR Jerrae Hawkins (IMG).
- One change in Miami’s recruiting process- a renewed emphasis on evaluating senior film. They are constantly evaluating their own commits, other teams' commits and uncommitted players. They will also not hesitate to upgrade at a position if necessary. Two guys who have really stood out on senior tape- CB Xavier Lucas (American Heritage/Wisconsin commit) and DE Booker Pickett (Tampa). Lucas is a verified 6’0.5, 185 with 10.9 speed. This week will be an enormous game for him against Jeremiah Smith and Chaminade.
- Mirabal and co. have not given up on Texas A&M commit OL Isendre Ahfua (Seattle) and are continuing to monitor there in case something happens. They are also still battling for OL Eddie Pierre-Louis (Tampa), who is going through the recruiting process.
- One big name to keep an eye on at OL: 6’9, 340 JUCO Markel Bell (Holmes, MS). He is the #2 overall JUCO in the country and has a connection to Miami’s staff.
- Miami is right in the thick of it for DT Aydin Breland (Los Angeles), who just released his Top 3. While Georgia is the favorite and always a threat, some view this as a Miami/Oregon battle.
- After losing LB Chris Cole (Salem, VA) to Georgia, expect Miami to keep the pressure on Gator commit LB Adarius Hayes (Largo).
- Miami is continuing to push with Daytona Beach Mainland stars CB Zavier Mincey and DL LJ McCray.
- They are also chipping away at Florida commit TE Amir Jackson (Portal, GA) and TE Davon Mitchell (Los Angeles). I expect another name there to join TE Elija Lofton (Las Vegas), who they consider one of the best football players in the country.
- Speaking of senior film: we knew commit S Zaquan Patterson (Chaminade) was a stud, but he is even better than a lot of people thought. Another name Miami is continuing to monitor at safety: Alabama commit S Red Morgan (Phenix City, AL).
- '23 signee DL Collins Acheampong was recently cleared to run and I’m told he’s blowing people away with his athleticism. Probably not going to be ready to contribute this year with the time missed, but he looks like a hit physically.
- Miami is always on the hunt for championship-level EDGE players, and don’t be surprised if we expand our board there.
