A year and five days ago, Miami struck gold in California by becoming Brad Kaaya’s first offer. While the Canes aren’t exactly trying to unearth a hidden gem in Ben Humphreys, who is a four-star recruit, they will try to snag a blue-chip Cali prospect in consecutive years.
Mater Dei ATH Ben Humphreys (6-3, 205) was offered by Miami earlier this morning. The Kaaya connection looks like it is already paying dividends for Miami.
“I’ve been talking to Brad (Kaaya) ever since I saw him at the Nike camp that I won MVP at and he asked me if I would be interested in Miami so I told him I definitely would be,” Humphreys explained. “He talked to Coach Carroll about me and then Brad and I have just been talking about being a California kid going to Miami.”
Despite Kaaya’s initial pleas to the staff that Humphreys was legitimately interested in playing across the country, it took Humphreys himself to convince Brennan Carroll that he was more than intrigued by the possibility of playing in Miami.
“Originally they were afraid to talk to me because both of my parents went to Stanford and played sports there. I told them (Miami) that I am open to anyone and they got that from me. They know where I am coming from and once Coach Carroll realized I was definitely thinking about playing elsewhere, he felt more comfortable with me.”
Some “experts” have penciled Humphreys into the Stanford class if/when he is offered by the Cardinal, but he was adamant in saying that is not necessarily the case.
“Even if they offered, I’d still consider other places for sure because I’ve always wanted to be different from my family. I would not be afraid to go to the East Coast or Florida and go far away. It’s just a plane flight away for me.”
Kaaya’s recruiting efforts have centered around the desirable location of Miami.
“He has just told me that it’s different, but he likes it. From where I live in Newport Beach, if I go to Miami it’s on the beach and the weather is great year-round just like California. It’s a change of scenery, but it’s still the same is what Brad has been pitching to me. Coach Carroll has been telling me I could be that one guy to go 2,000 miles away from home and I can really be the guy to start the trend like Brad was last year.”
Humphreys’ highlights are impressive considering he plays so many different positions on the field.
“I can do it all. I can play inside the box, rush the big boys, drop back, come off the edge, and cover the slot as a hybrid safety,” Humphreys said. “Coach Carroll told me they just love me as a football player and they would decide what I play once I get there.”
And just like Brad Kaaya last year, Humphreys does not want to delay the decision-making process once he has made up his mind.
“I’m most likely going to graduate early, so I’m trying to make the decision before my season starts. I’ll get out to Miami in either the summer or now on my spring break coming up, so I will figure that out once I talk to my parents.”
Highlights - http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1442761/ben-humphreys
Mater Dei ATH Ben Humphreys (6-3, 205) was offered by Miami earlier this morning. The Kaaya connection looks like it is already paying dividends for Miami.
“I’ve been talking to Brad (Kaaya) ever since I saw him at the Nike camp that I won MVP at and he asked me if I would be interested in Miami so I told him I definitely would be,” Humphreys explained. “He talked to Coach Carroll about me and then Brad and I have just been talking about being a California kid going to Miami.”
Despite Kaaya’s initial pleas to the staff that Humphreys was legitimately interested in playing across the country, it took Humphreys himself to convince Brennan Carroll that he was more than intrigued by the possibility of playing in Miami.
“Originally they were afraid to talk to me because both of my parents went to Stanford and played sports there. I told them (Miami) that I am open to anyone and they got that from me. They know where I am coming from and once Coach Carroll realized I was definitely thinking about playing elsewhere, he felt more comfortable with me.”
Some “experts” have penciled Humphreys into the Stanford class if/when he is offered by the Cardinal, but he was adamant in saying that is not necessarily the case.
“Even if they offered, I’d still consider other places for sure because I’ve always wanted to be different from my family. I would not be afraid to go to the East Coast or Florida and go far away. It’s just a plane flight away for me.”
Kaaya’s recruiting efforts have centered around the desirable location of Miami.
“He has just told me that it’s different, but he likes it. From where I live in Newport Beach, if I go to Miami it’s on the beach and the weather is great year-round just like California. It’s a change of scenery, but it’s still the same is what Brad has been pitching to me. Coach Carroll has been telling me I could be that one guy to go 2,000 miles away from home and I can really be the guy to start the trend like Brad was last year.”
Humphreys’ highlights are impressive considering he plays so many different positions on the field.
“I can do it all. I can play inside the box, rush the big boys, drop back, come off the edge, and cover the slot as a hybrid safety,” Humphreys said. “Coach Carroll told me they just love me as a football player and they would decide what I play once I get there.”
And just like Brad Kaaya last year, Humphreys does not want to delay the decision-making process once he has made up his mind.
“I’m most likely going to graduate early, so I’m trying to make the decision before my season starts. I’ll get out to Miami in either the summer or now on my spring break coming up, so I will figure that out once I talk to my parents.”
Highlights - http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1442761/ben-humphreys
