The Miami Hurricanes have been regarded as one of Columbus (FL) 3-star DE Elijah Roberts’ favorite programs for over a year now. That’s why it was no surprise when the 2020 talent included UM in his top 5 schools released last night, along with FSU, Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia Tech.
A big part of why Miami is so high up in Roberts’ picture is because the Canes have made sure he feels wanted by the coaching staff, with head coach Manny Diaz giving him some personal attention as well.
“Everything is going great with Miami,” Roberts said. “Coach Diaz and I, we have a good relationship. He’ll text me and say that I have a spot there at the U waiting for me and that I’m a top priority for them.”
The 6-3 265 pound prospect was previously committed to Miami for 4 months in 2018 before backing off his pledge in October. Since then, the Canes have made plenty of changes within the program, including at Roberts’ potential future position coach. Roberts previously cited former DL coach Jess Simpson as an influential factor in his decision to commit to UM in the first place, so new DL coach Todd Stroud has had big shoes to fill in that respect.
So far, Stroud has won Roberts’ over with a lot of love, as well as telling him he would be able to play his preferred college position at UM, something that was previously undecided.
“We talk every day, he tells me I’m a priority for him,” Roberts said of Stroud. “He said I can play off the edge for him. I would prefer defensive end in college, but I’ll play whatever they ask for me to play.”
Roberts was last on campus in late March, but received a visit at his school from safeties coach Ephraim Banda last month. His next trip to Miami’s campus will likely be an official visit, and he is working with the coaches on setting a date right now.
“I actually met with coach Banda a couple weeks ago,” Roberts said. “We sat and talked for like an hour and a half, it went great.”
In terms of the rest of his top 5, Roberts is beginning to lay out his summer visit schedule and a decision timetable. He will take his first official visit to South Carolina the weekend of June 14th, while he will make unofficial trips to be at Florida on July 26th and is hitting Florida State the next day for an event on July 27th.
“Hopefully I will be able to decide in the middle of the season,” Roberts added.
At the Opening Miami Regional in February, Roberts recorded a 5.01 40, a 4.81 shuttle time, and a 28.60 inch vertical.
A big part of why Miami is so high up in Roberts’ picture is because the Canes have made sure he feels wanted by the coaching staff, with head coach Manny Diaz giving him some personal attention as well.
“Everything is going great with Miami,” Roberts said. “Coach Diaz and I, we have a good relationship. He’ll text me and say that I have a spot there at the U waiting for me and that I’m a top priority for them.”
The 6-3 265 pound prospect was previously committed to Miami for 4 months in 2018 before backing off his pledge in October. Since then, the Canes have made plenty of changes within the program, including at Roberts’ potential future position coach. Roberts previously cited former DL coach Jess Simpson as an influential factor in his decision to commit to UM in the first place, so new DL coach Todd Stroud has had big shoes to fill in that respect.
So far, Stroud has won Roberts’ over with a lot of love, as well as telling him he would be able to play his preferred college position at UM, something that was previously undecided.
“We talk every day, he tells me I’m a priority for him,” Roberts said of Stroud. “He said I can play off the edge for him. I would prefer defensive end in college, but I’ll play whatever they ask for me to play.”
Roberts was last on campus in late March, but received a visit at his school from safeties coach Ephraim Banda last month. His next trip to Miami’s campus will likely be an official visit, and he is working with the coaches on setting a date right now.
“I actually met with coach Banda a couple weeks ago,” Roberts said. “We sat and talked for like an hour and a half, it went great.”
In terms of the rest of his top 5, Roberts is beginning to lay out his summer visit schedule and a decision timetable. He will take his first official visit to South Carolina the weekend of June 14th, while he will make unofficial trips to be at Florida on July 26th and is hitting Florida State the next day for an event on July 27th.
“Hopefully I will be able to decide in the middle of the season,” Roberts added.
At the Opening Miami Regional in February, Roberts recorded a 5.01 40, a 4.81 shuttle time, and a 28.60 inch vertical.
