2019 Columbus WR Kalani Norris had himself a day out at the Miami Regional version of Nike’s the Opening two weekends ago, showing off fantastic footwork and impressive burst to give even the best DB’s fits. For my money, he was my top performer at the camp, and he took some time afterwards to converse about what life has been like as a rising senior.
“I actually didn’t get invited to Oregon unfortunately, but that only makes me more hungry for those that are still sleeping on me,” Norris said. “The toughest DB I went against in drills was Rony Bourdeau Jr. (from Champagnat-Catholic).”
While Norris, who lists himself at 6’0” 175 pounds, is hoping for an offer from the hometown Miami Hurricanes, he says the coaches have still been in touch and keeping tabs on him. Expect to see Norris on campus in Coral Gables shortly as well.
“My interest in Miami is very high,” Norris said. “They have always been a childhood favorite team and I actually plan to visit them during the summer. They are in contact from time to time. I’m hearing from coach Dugans and I feel like I have the best relationship with him.”
The Canes have made some big strides in the program lately and that has caught Norris’ eye, along with the fact that he wouldn’t have to stray far from home if he attended Miami.
“I love the swag they bring to the field, how all of their coaches care for the players, and it’s at home.”
While he waits to see if UM will pull the trigger, Norris is still hearing from plenty of other Power 5 programs and has options. He’s keeping things open for now, but Norris’ list includes a bit of an SEC flavor to it.
“I plan to visit Tennessee on March 3rd,” Norris said. “I currently don’t have a top group, I’m open to all schools. But Tennessee, Louisville, Kentucky, and Georgia are all after me hard right now.”
The Canes signed a loaded class at WR in 2018 and seem to be continuing to stack chips in 2019 with the commitments from Jeremiah Payton and Brieon Fuller. However, instead of being a deterrent, UM’s recent signees are actually a draw for Norris.
“I actually have a good relationship with Dee (Wiggins) and (Mark) Pope,” Norris said. “I’d love to play with those guys.”
Norris enjoys the fact that the Canes are getting back to their roots and is loving the recent Miami trend of more and more local players from the 305 staying home to play for the city.
“Players like Mark Pope, Dee Wiggins, Trajan Bandy, Jaquan Johnson, (Sheldrick) Redwine, DJ Ivey, Gilbert Frierson, Delone Scaife, there are numerous players (I’m friendly with).”
Don’t expect Norris to wait on the Canes too long: the Columbus wideout plans on making a decision soon, towards the end of spring. Whichever school lands Norris, they’ll be getting proven producer at WR with room to grow in his senior season.
“I personally think I went out with a bang,” Norris said of his junior year. “As a team, we came up a little short, but we fought hard all season as a team. I had 35 catches for 714 yards and 8 touchdowns.”
