Here Goes…Obviously lot of time. I know it’s kind of a yearly thing to say “next year’s class looks to be better”, but I really think 26 looks like a pretty good year. More high-end, top 100 type talent than '25, as well as more overall potential “4*” and high “3*” types. Big year at WR, which happens every 2-3 years in Sofla. Miami Northwestern on the rebound as well…
Worth noting that 2 of the top 5 players, WR Toney (UM) and CB Flowers (UF) which makes the difference overall between the two years a little less sizable, but I’d still lean with the 26 class as being better overall)
Skeeter,I think you were right about the McConathy kid from Spanish Fort, AL. The kid kind of reminds me of Ted Hendricks. I remember Hendricks in high school. He was a terrific athlete in several sports. Tall and lanky, didn’t strike you as a footballer, he had a knack for fighting off big linemen and wreaking havoc in the backfield. It looks like McConathy was a steal as a three star guy. He’s already getting rave reviews in practice. I hope he turns out to be a stork.
Skeeter,I think you were right about the McConathy kid from Spanish Fort, AL. The kid kind of reminds me of Ted Hendricks. I remember Hendricks in high school. He was a terrific athlete in several sports. Tall and lanky, didn’t strike you as a footballer, he had a knack for fighting off big linemen and wreaking havoc in the backfield. It looks like McConathy was a steal as a three star guy. He’s already getting rave reviews in practice. I hope he turns out to be a stork.
Kid is built a little thicker. But early reports are very good. Should get some snaps this year.
It was kind of a down year in Sofla though in all fairness
Usual pre-season vibes…Campbell seems to be a nice get and is recruiting for UM.
Cooper has more UM buzz than anyone. He is on campus ALOT. Gun to my head, I like the kid at safety but he no doubt has big school running back talent too. Major priority, and I know @nole80 likes him as well.
UM is thought to lead for Flowers but all honesty they all the same thing during sophomore and junior years and he will command top dollar for a corner/KR and Russell will likely break the bank. I’ve also heard Jason Lopez has the latin Restrepo vibe and there’s a pretty good chance he’s UM’s slot in this class. I would say UM a slight leader here.
Javian Mallory as far as I can tell has UM in top 2/3 and is a priority. UM was on Mirat earlier than most schools, most likely C/G, but DT not out of the question. Just seems like a CMC guy.
I have to laugh. I just remember Nevin Shapiro saying something like, “It was always something with this kid. He always needed money. I was a non-stop ATM for him.” or something to that effect. LOL!
J’vari Flowers (#2) on list, corner from Miami Northwestern…Is now re-classifying to '25. Will sign in March/April
Big target for UM. Smallish corner and maybe the fastest man in the state. Plays offense and returns kicks (housed a few last couple years). One of our top targets for next season.
I think some of these kids are making a mistake re-classifying, but whatever.
A couple guys that have been good sources for Sofl love this kid and say he would be the best pure corner in Sofl THIS year. A couple weeks back there was mention he may be a re-classify candidate has well, but I didn’t read through all the post-commitment posts to see if this is still a possibility.
Updated for recent transfer of Ft. Myers DT Johnson (Major UM target) to Miami NW. Helps a top tier that looked really strong last year but has been weakened after Toney and Flowers reclassified.
But again worth noting that 2 of this year’s top 5 re-classified to last season (and UM landed one of them, Toney)
Also…UM’s 2027 commit Dopson is strongly rumored to be re-classifying, need to hold on to him, and he is probably the top remaining local target if we can’t land/or have given up on the D.Cooper saga.
Top 2027 Miami Northwestern speed merchant WR Lennear is strongly considering UM (They all seem to be until SEC comes calling) and there has been whispers he may re-classify as well.
I haven’t heard much in terms of local '26 kids UM may be amping up interest with? But always possible with big senior seasons.
Flips I see as not impossible:
Cooper- who knows, committed to Texas with no damn visit
Lopez- The FSU commitment was kinda weird, and he himself says he’s still open. Not sure how much schools are willing to tolerate the two sport thing. (probably the best chance if had to call it)
Fitzpatrick- Holding small hope out that with his brother getting traded to Miami, maybe UM becomes involved again. The rumors are UM wants him at safety, while others are want him or at least more open to him playing corner.
Johnson- UM wanted him bad. Big bags, or at least equal bags and SEC allure won out here…Worth noting he has not played a down yet for Northwestern High, transferring from Ft. Myers, where he had moved to the last couple years from New Jersey. So not a true Dade kid.
I wouldn’t rule out UM becoming involved with Hughes (FSU), or maybe even Miret (OleMiss) again later. To a lesser extent, maybe Bougoulun- Ali (Auburn), Bennett (FSU) or Jaydin Broadnax (Lou) as well.
If a local RB/LB/DL/S emerges this year, I assume UM would be involved.