In the past, new Miami Hurricanes cornerbacks coach DeMarcus Van Dyke has been known for his work behind the scenes in the recruiting department. However, in his new role, Van Dyke will have the ability to sell the program even more, and he has already hit the trail running in offering a rising talent on the recruiting scene earlier this week, 2022 Bishop Verot (FL) ATH Chris Graves.
“It feels great landing the offer. ‘The U’ is a big program, it’s one of my dream schools,” Graves said. “The cornerbacks coach hit me up, we got on a call. He was just telling me they need a physical, tough corner like me, tall and fast. He said I fit The U’s program.”
While Graves is listed as an athlete that plays both WR and CB, he indeed prefers to play defense at the next level, so he fits neatly into Van Dyke’s vision for him in the future.
“I like defense more, but I can play either or, it doesn’t matter,” Graves said. “I like being by myself, locking down a receiver on an island.”
The 6-2 170-pound prospect says he’s always had an affinity for the Canes program over the years, and Graves said he’s frequently thought about what it would be like to play for the orange and green.
“The fans are great, and I like how the program is set up over there,” Graves said. “I feel like it would be a great experience to go there.”
Before he has to make any decisions, though, Graves will get a special insight into the Miami program via his longtime friend and teammate Malik Curtis, who just signed with the Canes this December and has already begun recruiting Graves to join him.
“We are like brothers, basically family. We’ve known each other for a long time,” Graves said of Curtis. “He was congratulating me and telling me to go to Miami with him.”
In terms of the rest of his recruitment, Graves also has an early offer from USF, while he has been in touch with Iowa State, Louisville, and ECU in recent days as well.
“Where I’m at right now, I want to be better, land more offers. I want to be considered at the top of my class,” Graves said. “I would want to make a decision around this time next year. I’m just looking for a place that feels like home, that’s all I can ask for. A good program, a good environment.”
As a junior in 2020, Graves recorded 26 tackles with 4 PBU, 1 INT, and 2 FR on defense and 2 blocked kicks on special teams in 11 games. Midway through the year, Graves also began playing offense, tallying 27 catches for 500 yards and 4 TD’s at receiver in only 5 games.
“I feel like I did good this year. Nobody really caught the ball on me, definitely not a deep ball,” Graves said. “For next year, I’m focused on improving my 1-on-1 coverage, zone coverage on defense. On offense, I want to improve my routes, my speed. I’ll be doing 7-on-7 soon, so I feel like that will help some.”
