Emptying the notebook from last week. Will have more in the days to come:
- I was told on Wednesday that the timetable for staff changes was ten days (by end of this week). This is my educated guess, but that tells me Mario wants to completely close the initial talent acquisition window before moving on to staff changes. As I've said for months, I expect significant changes including a new offensive coordinator and QB coach.
- One thing to keep in mind with the Transfer Portal- even with the best preparation, it is more unpredictable and haphazard than HS recruiting. Visits are often an opportunity for staffs to evaluate the players, and vice versa. Issues with credits transferring and the NCAA's new contact periods (which doesn't match with every school's enrollment calendar) have disrupted a couple recruitments. Miami has been aggressive in pursuing players but is being mindful not to settle for inferior talents. Remember, our two best Portal acquisitions last year (Akheem Mesidor and Darrell Jackson) committed in April. Miami will continue to pursue a big body DT in the Portal.
- Miami will continue to pursue a transfer RB. FAU's Larry McCammon was very interested in Miami but could not transfer certain credits, which led to his return to FAU.
- I expect Miami to be a factor for Alabama WR Tyler Harrell if his foot checks out. I will post an update on Gary Bryant once I get it.
- I don't think Miami is done at LB. They will pursue another transfer there if the right name presents itself.
- Iowa transfer Terry Roberts remains in the mix. If Miami takes him, don't be surprised if it's at safety.
- Miami fans are underrating Purdue transfer DT Branson Deen. His commitment came at a time when fans were expecting news on a big DT, a new OC or a WR name, so I get the distraction. But after watching him against Michigan and Penn State, this is a twitchy, high-motor player who made plays against big OL. He had 34 pressures last year against the best and biggest OLs in America. For comparison, Leonard Taylor had 25 against worse competition.
- I was told on Wednesday that the timetable for staff changes was ten days (by end of this week). This is my educated guess, but that tells me Mario wants to completely close the initial talent acquisition window before moving on to staff changes. As I've said for months, I expect significant changes including a new offensive coordinator and QB coach.
- One thing to keep in mind with the Transfer Portal- even with the best preparation, it is more unpredictable and haphazard than HS recruiting. Visits are often an opportunity for staffs to evaluate the players, and vice versa. Issues with credits transferring and the NCAA's new contact periods (which doesn't match with every school's enrollment calendar) have disrupted a couple recruitments. Miami has been aggressive in pursuing players but is being mindful not to settle for inferior talents. Remember, our two best Portal acquisitions last year (Akheem Mesidor and Darrell Jackson) committed in April. Miami will continue to pursue a big body DT in the Portal.
- Miami will continue to pursue a transfer RB. FAU's Larry McCammon was very interested in Miami but could not transfer certain credits, which led to his return to FAU.
- I expect Miami to be a factor for Alabama WR Tyler Harrell if his foot checks out. I will post an update on Gary Bryant once I get it.
- I don't think Miami is done at LB. They will pursue another transfer there if the right name presents itself.
- Iowa transfer Terry Roberts remains in the mix. If Miami takes him, don't be surprised if it's at safety.
- Miami fans are underrating Purdue transfer DT Branson Deen. His commitment came at a time when fans were expecting news on a big DT, a new OC or a WR name, so I get the distraction. But after watching him against Michigan and Penn State, this is a twitchy, high-motor player who made plays against big OL. He had 34 pressures last year against the best and biggest OLs in America. For comparison, Leonard Taylor had 25 against worse competition.
