2027 DB Kenton Dopson III commits to Miami

Sebastian Font

Mar 13, 2025 2 min read

2027 4-star DB Kenton Dopson III has announced his commitment to the University of Miami live on Instagram.

The 6-foot-1, 185 pounder from Miami, Florida is considered one of the top players in the country regardless of position. Dopson is currently ranked as a top-15 player in the country as well as being ranked the No.2 CB. As a sophomore at Norland, Dopson was credited for three interceptions and 16 total tackles last year, being named a MaxPreps All-American for his efforts.

https://www.hudl.com/profile/19435027/kenton-dopson-iii

The Norland product possesses all the tools to become an elite corner at the next level: length, physicality, and speed. Dopson also runs track, just recently setting a Norland school record for the 200 meter.

Dopson visited multiple games last fall, in attendance for both Hurricane wins over Florida State Miami appears headed back to their roots when it comes to the secondary, building strong classes for both 2026 and 2027.and Duke. In addition, Dopson was part of the star studded line-up of unofficial visitors for week one of spring practice, and follows the path of 2026 DB Jaelen Waters in committing to the ’Canes after week one.

“I’ve been a Hurricanes fan since I can remember, I was born into it,” said Dopson.

While there was clear interest from Dopson’s side, in an age of NIL and constant competition from rival schools, Miami still had to get him over the line. Once again, new defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge was hard at work in securing his future chess pieces. Like with Waters, Etheridge made a strong impression on Dopson with his game plan and communication with him.

Miami beat out nearly 30 other teams who offered Dopson, namely in-state rivals Florida and Florida State. Dopson becomes only the second commit in the 2027 class, joining American Heritage WR Ah’mari Stevens in the class. While the ’Canes are in full swing with their 2026 class, it’s encouraging to see Cristobal & co. securing the top talents in South Florida early.

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Comments (766)

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gogeta4

Oct 9, 2025

BALLHAWKU said:
I could never bill chasing recruit

What makes him better ? Thats the same question I have the other way too

better ball skills and more physical than Waters presently...also more battle tested. Though Waters plays good comp too. I know the comp Tre is playing and coached with their dc before who is in man majority of the time. lol

gogeta4

Oct 9, 2025

Hurry-Cane said:
I don’t normally go with the “just pay him whatever” mentality because I’m not a huge contributor to NIL and I know the others who scream just pay him usually don’t contribute much if anything but in this instance I’m onboard with matching whatever offer is out there. This is one chance to finally keep a Pat Peterson, Pat Surtain type home so let’s do it.

this is the only answer.

This has possibility of being our best db class ever if developed if we land all these kids.

9
90scane

Oct 9, 2025

GeorgiaHurricane said:
Was that Nick Lennear he was following?

Yes. Two elite kids competing. Hope we land both

9
90scane

Oct 9, 2025

Silentobserver said:
You think Ewald factors in at nickel this spring and next season, or is that Damari's position?

I like damari outside but could see him on those nickel blitz packages.

shumbly33

Oct 9, 2025

90scane said:
I like damari outside but could see him on those nickel blitz packages.

Damari is similar physically to Keonte isn't he? Could he take over that role next year?

scrantoncane

Oct 9, 2025

It jus

One9 said:
meaning he's done and could buy his contract out and go.

It dropped from $10M to $1M in June

It just said on espn $30m guaranteed

scrantoncane

Oct 9, 2025

scrantoncane said:
It jus
It just said on espn $30m guaranteed

Bellichek had to pay UNC 10M if he left. That dropped to 1M.

LuCane

Oct 9, 2025

shumbly33 said:
Damari is similar physically to Keonte isn't he? Could he take over that role next year?

Totally different short area quickness.

9
90scane

Oct 9, 2025

shumbly33 said:
Damari is similar physically to Keonte isn't he? Could he take over that role next year?

Scott is a little smaller 6' 185-190. Brown is 6'1-6'2 and likely 190-195 with longer arms and more top in speed vs quickness. Both aren't afraid to hit and Brown sure as heck came downhill well during the FSU game.

CanesFan20

Oct 9, 2025

Waters
Wyman
Dopson
Portis
Jennings

Pretty **** solid CB class

Empirical Cane

Oct 9, 2025

One9 said:
meaning he's done and could buy his contract out and go.

It dropped from $10M to $1M in June

Can Belichek play DB?

Dwinstitles

Oct 9, 2025

Hurry-Cane said:
I don’t normally go with the “just pay him whatever” mentality because I’m not a huge contributor to NIL and I know the others who scream just pay him usually don’t contribute much if anything but in this instance I’m onboard with matching whatever offer is out there. This is one chance to finally keep a Pat Peterson, Pat Surtain type home so let’s do it.

Wait they are saying he’s one of those types? That’s crazy to me if he’s that highly regarded down there. Someone can tell me if he’s on that level that knows more about it than I ever could

BALLHAWKU

Oct 9, 2025

gogeta4 said:
better ball skills and more physical than Waters presently...also more battle tested. Though Waters plays good comp too. I know the comp Tre is playing and coached with their dc before who is in man majority of the time. lol

Who would be moved to Safety if we kept them all . Portis ?

9
90scane

Oct 9, 2025

Empirical Cane said:
Can Belichek play DB?

I’d pay to see that

A
awill510

Oct 9, 2025

6'1 185+ with 10.9 speed after reclassing up, I hope he sticks

B
bacane

Oct 9, 2025

CanesFan20 said:
Waters
Wyman
Dopson
Portis
Jennings

Pretty **** solid CB class

Is there a safety in the group?

gogeta4

Oct 9, 2025

BALLHAWKU said:
Who would be moved to Safety if we kept them all . Portis ?

jennings.

though Tre been putting ppl in the dirt this year.....he tackles better than bryce fitz. Maybe they can sell him on that...he has a pick just about every game jus like bryce did.

gogeta4

Oct 9, 2025

CanesFan20 said:
Waters
Wyman
Dopson
Portis
Jennings

Pretty **** solid CB class

adding these guys to guys in last class is sick...Jaboree Antoine from a looks perspective looks like he belongs.

G
Gru

Oct 9, 2025

bacane said:
Is there a safety in the group?

Redding. Still after Justice Fitzpatrick and Ayden Pouncey

BALLHAWKU

Oct 9, 2025

90scane said:
Yes. Two elite kids competing. Hope we land both

Im good with running 5 dbs If we can continue to

gogeta4 said:
jennings.

though Tre been putting ppl in the dirt this year.....he tackles better than bryce fitz. Maybe they can sell him on that...he has a pick just about every game just like bryce did.

Hopefully he has Bryce speed and ball skills. That kid finds the ball when it’s in the air for sure