Transferring over from Dr. Krop to Miami Northwestern during the spring, Miami defensive back commitment Ryan Mayes (6’2”, 200) had a big transition to make. Mayes says the move has been easy.
“I’m very comfortable. We all spend time with each other on the weekends and outside of football,” said Mayes.
Miami Northwestern has not made a deep playoff run for a couple years in a row, which is considered unacceptable in Bull territory. Mayes feels like this season’s team can change that.
“Our expectations are really high. We expect to be national champions. We feel like we can take it all the way. We don’t the media any mind and everyone is objected their own opinion, but we want to be the team we used to be.”
When I spoke to Miami Northwestern defensive coordinator Luther Campbell back in June about Mayes, he told me the ‘Canes commit had all the physical tools in the world, but needed to work on becoming more physical. Mayes explained what “Coach Luke” has done with him.
“One, he made me be a tougher kid as far as not getting into my feelings on the football field, which basically means not allowing people to get in my head and to stay on my game and not get sidetracked. And of course number two, he’s helped me get more physical.”
Miami has recruited Mayes to play cornerback, but he says there’s a chance he could slide back to safety.
“That’s still a possibility (playing safety). It depends on my transition or whatever. I love the game of football and love playing defense so corner or safety, it doesn't matter.”
A few South Florida prospects have impressed Mayes.
“One kid that caught my eye was a young kid named Brandon Powell. He’s from Deerfield Beach and he’s really good. Of course, Trayone Gray from Carol City is a tremendous player. My bull brother Mike Smith has great work ethic too.”
Smith and Mayes have formed a special bond knowing they will be teammates at the next level.
“Since the commitment, if one of us is lacking, then we’re jumping on each other’s case. He’s pushing me and I’m pushing him.”
“I’m very comfortable. We all spend time with each other on the weekends and outside of football,” said Mayes.
Miami Northwestern has not made a deep playoff run for a couple years in a row, which is considered unacceptable in Bull territory. Mayes feels like this season’s team can change that.
“Our expectations are really high. We expect to be national champions. We feel like we can take it all the way. We don’t the media any mind and everyone is objected their own opinion, but we want to be the team we used to be.”
When I spoke to Miami Northwestern defensive coordinator Luther Campbell back in June about Mayes, he told me the ‘Canes commit had all the physical tools in the world, but needed to work on becoming more physical. Mayes explained what “Coach Luke” has done with him.
“One, he made me be a tougher kid as far as not getting into my feelings on the football field, which basically means not allowing people to get in my head and to stay on my game and not get sidetracked. And of course number two, he’s helped me get more physical.”
Miami has recruited Mayes to play cornerback, but he says there’s a chance he could slide back to safety.
“That’s still a possibility (playing safety). It depends on my transition or whatever. I love the game of football and love playing defense so corner or safety, it doesn't matter.”
A few South Florida prospects have impressed Mayes.
“One kid that caught my eye was a young kid named Brandon Powell. He’s from Deerfield Beach and he’s really good. Of course, Trayone Gray from Carol City is a tremendous player. My bull brother Mike Smith has great work ethic too.”
Smith and Mayes have formed a special bond knowing they will be teammates at the next level.
“Since the commitment, if one of us is lacking, then we’re jumping on each other’s case. He’s pushing me and I’m pushing him.”
![crossover22[]_[]](https://data.canesinsight.com/avatars/s/2/2075.jpg?1518149361){kind=avatar}
