Say it isn’t so, but could the “U” be back in just Mark Richt’s second season? With National Signing Day having been wrapped up for over a month now, there is much optimism around the Coral Gables campus. It was evident that before signing day was even over that coaches were already looking ahead, and that there would be a strong commitment towards the next class. Speaking of commitments, Miami has already secured 13 verbal commitments from juniors before their senior campaigns. Now although these commitments are non-binding, the number is indicative of how relevant the once dominant program is within the class of 2018.
State of Miami… Part 2
When Howard Schnellenberger first took over at Miami in 1979, he knew in order to win there would have to be an extra emphasis on winning locally and making a priority around the tri-county area (Dade,Broward and Palm Beach). This recruiting blueprint would be the driving force behind the five national championships that Miami is responsible for and would be the template all coaches after Schnellenberger followed. With Richt at the helm, the fence around south Florida is once again in construction and the commitments in the 2018 class is definitely proof.
Miami made a big splash in recruiting by landing coveted recruit Lorenzo Lingard, a 6-0 running back from out of Orange City, Florida. His commitment would be the first of many surprises so far. Miami was able to land two recruits from nationally ranked powerhouse IMG Academy, the shock factor was that both recruits come originate from outside of Florida but believe in the direction in which the Miami program is going. Arthur Sitowski transferred to IMG after being enrolled at Old Bridge high school in New Jersey. Brian Hightower, the top recruit according to ESPN, also transferred into IMG academy leaving his hometown of Los Angeles. Outside of those two prospects all of the other commits are originally from the state of Florida.
Meet the Recruits
- Lorenzo Lingard, 6’0 180 pounds, running back, University high school
- Brian Hightower, 6’3 196 pounds, wide receiver, IMG Academy
- Camron Davis, 5’9 187 pounds, running back, Carol City high school
- Randy Russell, 5’11 175 pounds, defensive back, Carol City high school
- Nesta Silvera, 6’2 287 pounds, defensive tackle, American Heritage-Plantation high school
- DJ Scaife, 6’4 283 pounds, offensive line, Miami Southridge high school
- DJ Ivey, 6’1 180 pounds, defensive back, South Dade high school
- Gilbert Frierson, 6’2 185 pounds, defensive back, Coral Gables high school
- Daquris Wiggins, 6’2 170 pounds, wide receiver, Miami Southridge high school
- Josh Jobe, 6’0 176 pounds, defensive back, Columbus high school
- Jalen Patterson, 5’10 170 pounds, athlete, North Marion high school
- Thomas Brown, 5’9 150 pounds, athlete, Miami Northwestern high school
Overview
As of this moment Miami has a top five class within every recruiting website, although it is extremely early, there is real indications that the Hurricanes can clinch a top class. These kids have yet to even start their senior year of school so of course things can always change but there is real promise being shown from this class. With another impressive season from the Hurricanes, the resurgence of “The U” could well be here. The Hurricanes have their own questions to answer such as finding a quarterback but with a favorable schedule and plenty of talent returning look to recruits to flock back to Coral Gables.
