OK it’s that time…I will work on recruiting boards (not sure if as detailed as in the past, but I always say that) over the next 4-5 weeks
DT:
UM with the home run last year when it looked like it would be a whiff. I expect Blount to end up inside and Bain will likely be a guy these next 2 years that you can move up and down the line. I think we take 2 with an outside chance of 3. Portal next offseason wouldn’t surprise either as we will be losing a lot after this season. Very good local class here too.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17667842/Randy-Adirika
Top local option had an offer and crystal balls to UM. More of an up the field type. Everyone raves about his motor and quickness. Mid April updated = UM may have him more on the back burner at the moment, so not sure what is going to happen here.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17798599/Myron-Charles
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16637011/Nate-Marshall (IL) Mich Commit
(DL). Crazy athleticism for a big man and one of the top prospects on UM’s board. Think he’s more likely to end up at DT, but never know.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16402641/Jarquez-Carter
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17840691/FloydDawens-Boucard
Canadian kid who moved to Alabama his sophomore year and now transferring to Miami Central for his senior season to join a loaded defense. Stock is soaring after 80 and others raved about his performance at a recent camp. Has UM and many other offers
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16281475/Malik-Autry**DE/Edge** (AL) Aub commit
https://www.hudl.com/profile/13568455/Elijah-Griffin (GA)
UM home run swinging here, and with and Autry above it will be tall task and lots of $$ to pull 5* D-Tackle types from SEC country. Griffin is supposedly listening though. I’ll believe it when I see it.
Others: Byron Brown, Melbourne Texas Commit…Jalen Wiggins , Tallahassee…Anthony Smith, Chaminade…Kole Briehler, NJ (DL) …Justus Terry, Manchester GA USC Commit…Walter Mathis, Savannah GA…Derry Norris, Spruce Creek
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DE/Edge
This should be an area of major strength for us with Taylor running the ship. Last year’s haul was awesome. I’d expect 3, but can get away with 2 and ultimately numbers may be determined by if Rudolph makes it in (possible juco?) and whether Pickett ends up with his hand down.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/13274593/Marco-Jones (CA)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/20463243/romando-johnson**LB**
Maybe top local option…Built a little more like a LB. Canes recruiting for sure, but not sure if he could commit right now.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/14962819/Zion-Grady (AL)
Near top of our board…Cristobal has recruited this state heavily both HS and portal. And it truly may be open season in talent rich state with high hit rate now that Saban’s out of the picture. Recent crystal balls to UM, which would be a huge get.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/18226908/Tylon-Lee
North Florida kid whose tape rI eally like. Supposedly serious 2 way interest here.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17560122/LaJesse-Harold
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16211800/Javion-Hilson FSU Commit
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11316772/Hayden-Lowe (CA)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16286110/CJ-MAY (AL)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16016586/Iose-Epenesa (IL)
Top target on our board but thought to be an Iowa lock. Brother is Buff Bills DE, AJ Espenesa. Maybe JT can work some magic here.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/13169503/Jared-Smith (AL)
(DL)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16847461/Mariyon-Dye (IN)
(DL)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17091535/Javeon-Campbell (KY)
(DL)
Others: Manny and Darryl Desir (brothers), Norland…DeAngelo Thompson, Central…Herbert Scroggins, Savannah GA…
LB:
2nd year LB coach Nicholson really making headway on the trail. Attrition may determine some things here, as some guys may be forced out. 3 seems to be the number, can get away with 2 imo.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17546744/Elijah-Melendez UM Commit
Alot to like here, big physical kid that can run and strike. Seems to be looking at Michigan and others as well, but the consensus is he stuciks.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16151469/Ty-Jackson
Palm Beach County kid whose stock is soaring due to athleticism
https://www.hudl.com/profile/14125077/Eric-Winters (AL)
(ATH)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17070413/Ezekiel-Marcelin
Local kid has made plays his whole career for feeder school powerhouse. Size is a little bit of an issue though, so it will be interesting to see if both he and say…Ty Jackson want in. Is there is going to be room for both.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/12851629/Zayden-Walker (GA)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16419226/Tarvos-Alford OSU Commit
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16131702/Gavin-Nix
Canes battling for IMG kid from Orlando. As of 4-21, I think UM wins out for this MLB prospect
https://www.hudl.com/profile/19261599/Nathaniel-OwusuBoateng
IMG by way of NYC. Teammate of Nix above, brother went to ND and is now in the league.
Others: Jade Card (ATH), MNW… Kamar Archie, Hun School…Cameron White, Riverview
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CB:
One of biggest needs on team. New CB coach and I’m sure CMC gets involved heavily. DB (safeties as well) is last year’s D-line imo (maybe not quite as dire, but you get the point) and we hit a home run there. Local class looks average by Sofla standards, neither good or bad (statewide looks below average), but more names will definitely emerge, and I’m sure this will expand throughout spring as Jackson’s board expands.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11717315/Gregory-Zae-Thomas
Big junior season after playing behind others… A definite take for UM, but at this time appears to be FSU lean as his father and family are die hards
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16372248/Ben-Hanks-Jr
Top local option or at least 1A and 1B with Thomas. Thin build but makes a ton of plays for BTW. Seems to be Cane lean
https://www.hudl.com/profile/15107318/Chris-Ewald
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17010943/Aidan-Anding (LA)
UM was first of big boys to offer (Guidry loves bayou kids)…I can see why. Tape is excellent but would love to verify speed numbers. Gaining steam nationally.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/15018357/Mark-Manfred (GA)
Been to UM twice in '24. Maybe my favorite corner of the realistic options being mentioned so far in this class. Clemson is thought to lead but hopefully UM makes this interesting.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/18501701/tywan-cox
(DB)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/19305579/Adonyss-Currie (CA)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17336420/DJ-Pickett
(ATH) Cousin to Cane signee from last year (whose Dad was a Canes). Big shot here for UM at one of the top prospects in the nation. There’ss talk of him playing corner, and that would be nice, but safest bet at his size is safety. I’m going to list him here for now. Just get him on campus and figure out later.
Others: Jontae Gilbert, Atlanta…Donovan Starr, Brentwood TN…Graceson Littleton, Tampa Wharton Tristan Haynes, OK City OU Commit…Jaboree Antoine, New Orleans LSU Commit…Na’eem Offord, Birmingham AL…Tim Merritt (DB), Birmingham AL
Safety
I would expect 2-3…With at least 2 pure safeties. State of Florida has a few to choose from this year, even if I list Pickett above with the corners.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16124745/drake-stubbs USC Commit
One of my favorites in this class. Brother is a walk-on at FSU. Looks to have complete safety skillset ball skills, physicality, etc…2/24 Surprise commit to USC
https://www.hudl.com/profile/14928081/Dallas-Golden ND Commit
(ATH). Another no brainer that UM and the whole nation is after. Offensive standout as well for state champs.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/19673313/Bryce-Fitzgerald
10 INT as a junior for local ballhawk who also doubles as a WR and on the hardwood as well.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16356296/Antonio-Branch-Jr
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17129710/Amari-Wallace
(DB) Played mostly safety this year for Central but getting recruited by schools at both positions and supposedly “nickel” being mentioned by UM… Has Canes offer and most think he ends up at UM.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/15138831/Andrew-Purcell(AL)
(DB)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11957654/Aiden-Manutai (HI)
(DB)
https://www.hudl.com/profile/14696299/Anquon-Fegans (AL)
(DB)
Others: Jonathan Carter, Flanagan…Tony Williams, Palm Beach Central UCF Commit…Omarion Robinson, Little Rock AR
