Vibes were high in Coral Gables on Tuesday as the Canes received a pair of commitments on top of spring practice getting underway.
Defensive lineman Josh Johnson and defensive back Sherrod Gourdine both pledged their commitments to coach Cristobal & co. following their visit, joining an all-Florida group so far in Miami’s 2027 class.
Both spoke to me for CanesInSight, emphasizing the love they have for the Hurricane staff.
"The coaches, they love their kids," Gourdine said. "This is the best position for me."
Johnson echoed Gourdine’s sentiment, speaking on the relationship he has with Cristobal and defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman.
“These guys are very similar to me,” Johnson said. “They love to fish and they love football … Nothing better than that.”
A 6-foot-5, 270-plus pounder from Key West, Johnson became Miami’s first defensive line commit with his announcement on Tuesday.
He spoke about growing up being a Hurricane fan and how he “couldn’t wait” to head back to his hometown full of Canes fans.
As for Gourdine, the McArthur product raved about the possibility of being developed under the Hurricane staff.
“The way Keionte Scott has killed it, I think I can be the next,” Gourdine said. “The [defensive backs] know how to pursue the ball, they’re gonna get to the ball and not let the offense score.”
The staff views Gourdine in a similar manner, putting his film up there with the best they've seen in the class in South Florida.
Gourdine also raved about getting the opportunity to reunite with McArthur teammate Jaylyn Jones at the next level.
“That’s my brother we go way back, so why not [team up at Miami],” Gourdine said with a smile.
Shortly after, Jones doubled down on the excitement the pair had to continue their journey at the U and the work he did to recruit Gourdine to Miami.
“He knows I’ve been in his ear all the time, I just kept telling him ‘you gotta stay at the crib, might as well come play with me’,” Jones said.
And when it comes to what Miami’s getting out of the McArthur pair, Jones put it simply.
“Miami's getting two dogs that wanna come in and compete every day, we're trying to win the national championship with the 'U'," Jones said.
So far in the 2027 class, Miami has committed seven Florida natives — a clear focus on locking down top in-state talent as the board continues to develop.
Defensive lineman Josh Johnson and defensive back Sherrod Gourdine both pledged their commitments to coach Cristobal & co. following their visit, joining an all-Florida group so far in Miami’s 2027 class.
Both spoke to me for CanesInSight, emphasizing the love they have for the Hurricane staff.
"The coaches, they love their kids," Gourdine said. "This is the best position for me."
Johnson echoed Gourdine’s sentiment, speaking on the relationship he has with Cristobal and defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman.
“These guys are very similar to me,” Johnson said. “They love to fish and they love football … Nothing better than that.”
A 6-foot-5, 270-plus pounder from Key West, Johnson became Miami’s first defensive line commit with his announcement on Tuesday.
He spoke about growing up being a Hurricane fan and how he “couldn’t wait” to head back to his hometown full of Canes fans.
As for Gourdine, the McArthur product raved about the possibility of being developed under the Hurricane staff.
“The way Keionte Scott has killed it, I think I can be the next,” Gourdine said. “The [defensive backs] know how to pursue the ball, they’re gonna get to the ball and not let the offense score.”
The staff views Gourdine in a similar manner, putting his film up there with the best they've seen in the class in South Florida.
Gourdine also raved about getting the opportunity to reunite with McArthur teammate Jaylyn Jones at the next level.
“That’s my brother we go way back, so why not [team up at Miami],” Gourdine said with a smile.
Shortly after, Jones doubled down on the excitement the pair had to continue their journey at the U and the work he did to recruit Gourdine to Miami.
“He knows I’ve been in his ear all the time, I just kept telling him ‘you gotta stay at the crib, might as well come play with me’,” Jones said.
And when it comes to what Miami’s getting out of the McArthur pair, Jones put it simply.
“Miami's getting two dogs that wanna come in and compete every day, we're trying to win the national championship with the 'U'," Jones said.
So far in the 2027 class, Miami has committed seven Florida natives — a clear focus on locking down top in-state talent as the board continues to develop.
