It was all Dade county on Saturday night, as they defeated the Florida all-stars 39-9. There were a few Miami targets that played in the game and that includes Keith Bryant, Jamal Carter, and Denver Kirkland.
-Let's take a one-by-one look at how each of the Miami targets performed:
Keith Bryant: It's tough to accurately judge Bryant off of the all-star game setting because he was being rotated out so much, but quite frankly he was not spectacular when he was in. Something that is a bit alarming with Bryant is his weight. He needs to drop a lot of it in order to make an impact early in his college career. With this bad weight, it seems like Bryant has lost that deadly quick first step that made him the prospect he is today. As long as he focuses on getting himself in shape, he should be fine. But that really needs to be the focal point for him in the months leading up to enrolling in whatever school he chooses.
Jamal Carter: Carter's versatility was on display tonight as he was being used in a multitude of ways. On many occasions, he was playing in the box or covering the slot man, which is a remarkable task for somebody his size. Physically, Carter is ready for college right now and there's no debate about that. He was also playing some deep safety, but I loved seeing him play near the line and that could be his role early in his college career. This is the type of athlete that you see playing in Alabama's defensive backfield.
Denver Kirkland: Kirkland had one of the most impressive performances on the field, which is saying something for an offensive lineman. He was absolutely manhandling the opposition, which was very good competition, and had multiple pancake blocks throughout the night. I still think his future is at guard, but he is definitely athletic enough to play tackle.
-Some notes on non-Miami targets....
**Miami Northwestern's Marquiese Blanchard was arguably the best defensive player in South Florida this year. At 6'2", 245 he is an absolute terror on the defensive line. His quickness off the ball is incredible and he is relentless. He had a sack tonight. I spoke with Blanchard after the game and he only has one offer, Jackson State, which is ridiculous in my opinion. I also spoke with his Head Coach at Northwestern, Stephen Field, who told me that he really has no clue why schools are staying away from him, but that he is upset that Miami hasn't even taken a look at him. And just to clear anything up, Field has a good relationship with the Miami staff, so don't take that previous comment as Field not getting along with the Miami staff or something like that. Obviously it's an extreme long shot anything happens with him and Miami, but I encourage you to take a look at Blanchard's senior highlights right here: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1511504/marquiese-blanchard
**Carol City QB Akeem Jones looked really solid during the game. He has good size, athleticism , and arm strength and he will be lethal in a spread offense. I spoke with him after the game and Marshall seems to be the favorite. Clemson has also been in contact with him so there might be a chance at a late offer. He would be a great fit at Marshall.
**Southridge DB Lamar Robbins (6'3", 175) is a very intriguing prospect. He has incredible size and nice speed along with good ball skills. He was playing corner tonight and intercepted a pass, while dropping another one. Robbins is close to a decision with Oklahoma and West Virginia near the top of his list.
**Another impressive prospect I had a chance to interview was North Miami's Troy McCollum. McCollum is a 6' CB with long arms and good speed. In my opinion, he would have had a Miami offer in last year's class. McCollum was committed to FIU before Mario Cristobal was fired and he is now looking at Indiana as his top choice.
**Something funny I heard on the sidelines after the Dade team's 2nd touchdown of the game: Luther Campbell, who was coaching linebackers, turned to some coaches and said, "This is like abuse out there." Uncle Luke showing some old school Miami attitude.
-Let's take a one-by-one look at how each of the Miami targets performed:
Keith Bryant: It's tough to accurately judge Bryant off of the all-star game setting because he was being rotated out so much, but quite frankly he was not spectacular when he was in. Something that is a bit alarming with Bryant is his weight. He needs to drop a lot of it in order to make an impact early in his college career. With this bad weight, it seems like Bryant has lost that deadly quick first step that made him the prospect he is today. As long as he focuses on getting himself in shape, he should be fine. But that really needs to be the focal point for him in the months leading up to enrolling in whatever school he chooses.
Jamal Carter: Carter's versatility was on display tonight as he was being used in a multitude of ways. On many occasions, he was playing in the box or covering the slot man, which is a remarkable task for somebody his size. Physically, Carter is ready for college right now and there's no debate about that. He was also playing some deep safety, but I loved seeing him play near the line and that could be his role early in his college career. This is the type of athlete that you see playing in Alabama's defensive backfield.
Denver Kirkland: Kirkland had one of the most impressive performances on the field, which is saying something for an offensive lineman. He was absolutely manhandling the opposition, which was very good competition, and had multiple pancake blocks throughout the night. I still think his future is at guard, but he is definitely athletic enough to play tackle.
-Some notes on non-Miami targets....
**Miami Northwestern's Marquiese Blanchard was arguably the best defensive player in South Florida this year. At 6'2", 245 he is an absolute terror on the defensive line. His quickness off the ball is incredible and he is relentless. He had a sack tonight. I spoke with Blanchard after the game and he only has one offer, Jackson State, which is ridiculous in my opinion. I also spoke with his Head Coach at Northwestern, Stephen Field, who told me that he really has no clue why schools are staying away from him, but that he is upset that Miami hasn't even taken a look at him. And just to clear anything up, Field has a good relationship with the Miami staff, so don't take that previous comment as Field not getting along with the Miami staff or something like that. Obviously it's an extreme long shot anything happens with him and Miami, but I encourage you to take a look at Blanchard's senior highlights right here: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1511504/marquiese-blanchard
**Carol City QB Akeem Jones looked really solid during the game. He has good size, athleticism , and arm strength and he will be lethal in a spread offense. I spoke with him after the game and Marshall seems to be the favorite. Clemson has also been in contact with him so there might be a chance at a late offer. He would be a great fit at Marshall.
**Southridge DB Lamar Robbins (6'3", 175) is a very intriguing prospect. He has incredible size and nice speed along with good ball skills. He was playing corner tonight and intercepted a pass, while dropping another one. Robbins is close to a decision with Oklahoma and West Virginia near the top of his list.
**Another impressive prospect I had a chance to interview was North Miami's Troy McCollum. McCollum is a 6' CB with long arms and good speed. In my opinion, he would have had a Miami offer in last year's class. McCollum was committed to FIU before Mario Cristobal was fired and he is now looking at Indiana as his top choice.
**Something funny I heard on the sidelines after the Dade team's 2nd touchdown of the game: Luther Campbell, who was coaching linebackers, turned to some coaches and said, "This is like abuse out there." Uncle Luke showing some old school Miami attitude.
