The Hurricanes have already put the 2019 season behind them and are in preparation for 2020. In doing so, the Miami Hurricanes welcome 13 early enrollees. Every year the upcoming recruiting class gives teams new hope as to what the future will hold. In his first season, Manny Diaz signed a top 20 recruiting class even after going 6-7.
The class includes a ton of help on offense including a blue-chip quarterback in Tyler Van Dyke. In addition to Van Dyke, the Hurricanes add two running backs, Don Chaney and Jaylan Knighton, both rated top ten nationally. The Hurricanes also have help coming defensively after losing two starting linebackers that started for four years.
Miami Hurricanes Welcome 13 Early Enrollees
Help is on the Way
The Hurricanes being able to land 13 guys that graduated high school early and start college is no small feat. Miami needs help. The returning roster lacks depth and playmaking ability. Although the players that just enrolled are young, they aren’t short of talent. Chaney and Knighton were the best running backs in South Florida and elected to play together at Miami.
Staying on the offensive side of the football, the Hurricanes need help at receiver and have added three that will compete for a role next season. Dazalin Worsham, Michael Redding III, and Xavier Restrepo will all have an opportunity this spring. On the offensive line, arguably Miami’s biggest need, Diaz was able to add two guys. Chris Washington and Jalen Rivers both stand at six-foot-seven-inches and six-foot-six-inches respectfully and will start filling out their frames. Rivers started in the Under Armour game at left tackle and probably has a higher probability to play as a freshman. Miami also adds another tight end in Dominic Mammarelli, who could potentially replace Brevin Jordan after next season.
Reloading on Defense
On the defensive side, Diaz adds four players including two linebackers which should be the biggest area of concern next season. Chantz Williams is Miami’s highest-rated defensive player and an Under Armour All-American. After breaking his forearm towards the middle of his senior season, Williams should be cleared for spring football. He adds another twitchy pass rusher to Miami’s defensive end room. Miami finished sixth nationally in sacks this season and will return Greg Rousseau, who was second in the nation.
The additions of Corey Flagg and Tirek Austin-Cave in the linebacker room will likely help Miami down the line. Flagg is a downhill thumper that played on one of the best teams in Texas. Austin-Cave brings the element of speed, which Miami has missed from its linebacker units in quite some years. In the secondary, the lone addition is Keshawn Washington, who the Hurricanes are very high on. With a large six-foot-three frame, Miami will adjust Washington’s position based on how he adds weight.
Final Word
The Hurricanes have had large classes of early enrollees before but never this many. With the majority of the players being on offense and getting here at the same time as new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, the freshmen have a huge advantage. Not only do they get to learn the offense along with the returners but they’ll also have more opportunities to grow from their mistakes because of their youth.
