Sun-Sentinel’s article highlighted South Florida draft prospects, and it continues to underline the South Florida challenge. Ultimately, its talent and intangibles that gets a teenager to an NFL prospect; and where you play ball doesn’t matter. The difference is in South Florida, its impossible to collect all the talent and sort out the keepers on the field.
The '21 group doesn’t have a large payroll group (Surtain, Campbell, Grimes), and really isn’t that deep in quality names:
WR Chatarius “Tutu” Atwell, Louisville, Miami Northwestern
CB DiCaprio Bootle, Nebraska, Miami Southridge
CB Tyson Campbell, Georgia, American Heritage
DL Noah Curtis, FIU, American Heritage-Delray
S Shawn Davis, Florida, Miami Southridge
TE Nick Eubanks, Michigan, American Heritage
WR Trevon Grimes, Florida, St. Thomas Aquinas
RB Khalil Herbert, Virginia Tech, American Heritage
CB Shemar Jean-Charles, Appalachian State, Miramar
RB Greg McCrae, UCF, Miramar
WR Elijah Moore, Ole Miss, St. Thomas Aquinas
WR Josh Palmer, Tennessee, St. Thomas Aquinas
FB/TE John Raine, Northwestern, Miami Westminster Christian
CB Aaron Robinson, UCF, Deerfield Beach
CB Asante Samuel Jr., FSU, St. Thomas Aquinas
WR Anthony Schwartz, Auburn, American Heritage
DL Tedarrell Slaton, Florida, American Heritage
CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama, American Heritage
DL Rashad Weaver, Pittsburgh, Cooper City
S James Wiggins, Cincinnati, South Dade
CB Rachad Wildgoose Jr., Wisconsin, Miami Northwestern
CB Marco Wilson, Florida, American Heritage
But there are three kids on this list that I really liked, and thought Miami missed opportunities.
Elijah Moore. Miami took Harley, and then didn’t come back for the better prospect.
Rashad Weaver. He emerged a little late, but watching the tape; this was not hard to see coming. Being Richt’s transition class, almost made it ideal to take the chance.
Nick Eubanks. Probably the most unfair, AH had heavy anti-Miami influence and he was pushed to take the SEC rounds before being placed with Bush Sr. But he was clearly overlooked, and Miami’s TE recruitments circled the drain during this time.
For the rest:
Atwell - Yes, Miami has lacked playmakers, but Miami recruiting shouldn’t be in a position to take Atwell. He was an undersized converted quarterback, and this type of recruit goes to Louisville and if he emerges, good for him.
Robinson - He was quick to Florida, then was a forgotten recruit where Miami didn’t do anything until it was rumored that he wasn’t going to sign with Florida. He took a late Alabama spot, but never wanted to be there leaving quickly.
Davis / Slaton - There is an SEC-benefit here to being listed, neither were better than average; and with the same careers at Miami, I’m not convinced either is on this list. They both played out as projected. Davis was moved from corner, and Slaton played his entire career out of position.