Tate to visit UM today, talks winning OL MVP at the Opening Miami

2021 4-star OT Marcus Tate was a clear standout at the Opening Miami on Sunday, making a run all the way to the Final 5 Lineman challenge and winning all three of his reps against Florida Gators DE commit Tyreak Sapp in the competition. For his efforts, the University School star was awarded the OL MVP, the only 2021 prospect to land an MVP honor on the day.

"I did good, I went 6 and 1 on my reps. I had a good turn, got better today," Tate said of his performance. "I came to learn and get reps, that was the biggest thing, just getting more reps against some talented players. I could care less about anything else. I had a good time."

Of the more difficult defensive linemen he went up against on the day, Tate says it was a former Miami commit that gave him the most trouble.

"The toughest was Elijah Roberts, he beat me on my first rep against him," Tate said.

In terms of recruiting, the 6'5" 320 pound lineman says nothing's changed with the Hurricanes and Tate still considers them one of his favorites.

"Everything's good with them. I love the Canes," Tate said. “With Miami, I’d be closer to my momma and it’s the crib, the hometown team. But I'm just taking my time with my recruitment right now."

Ever since Miami offered him over a year ago, UM's campus has been a frequent destination for Tate and today, he will actually take his second visit to Coral Gables this month. Tate got to meet new OL coach Butch Barry on his visit 2 weeks back, and hopes to further that relationship even more today.

"It was good, I got to meet coach Barry, so that was cool, I like him," Tate said of his prior visit. "High energy guy. NFL guy. He knows what it's like to be at the top level. It was a real blessing meeting him and talking to him.”

Earlier in the day, UM defensive end commit Donell Harris said Tate was the main target he was working on to bring into Miami's 2021 class. In response, Tate said the pair have a strong relationship.

“That’s my homeboy, I play travel basketball with him,” Tate said on Harris.

So it's clear Miami is really standing out for Tate, but despite offers from Alabama, LSU, UGA, Florida, and Michigan, he says nobody else has really made an impression on him and he prefers to focus on his high school team at University School rather than recruiting.

"To be honest with you, nobody else is standing out right now," Tate said. "I'm just worried about my junior season."

Although Tate says he is in no rush to make a decision and has no timeline for a commitment, he says one person in his life will be a major influence on his choice.

"I just want to make my momma proud wherever I go," Tate said.




Update: Tate committed to Clemson on 9/24/19