We're a few weeks away from spring unofficial visit season, which will kick recruiting into a new gear. Here's the latest I'm hearing:
- I don't expect this class to be as large as last year. It may be closer to 20 players than 30. The staff wants more natural attrition than forced roster movement, and they trusts their evaluations of the players already on the roster. The early returns on the 2027 class look strong.
- While he's picked up Oregon buzz, I expect Miami to make an aggressive run at QB Will Mencl (Chandler, AZ). He's originally from Broward and is someone Miami covets. QB Davin Davidson (Sarasota) is another name high on the board. The key domino will be 2028 QB Neimann Lawrence (American Heritage). I'm told he still has not make his decision on reclassifying to the Class of 2027. Lawrence and Miami have had mutual interest for years, so his reclassification would shake things up.
- The tight end position remains a focus. In addition to DeMarcus DeRoche (Gibbons), who is committed, the Canes are pushing hard for Anthony Cartwright (Detroit, MI). Cartwright is a three-sport athlete (football, basketball, baseball) who also takes snaps at quarterback. The Canes have also made a major position switch to supplement the room, as 6'5, 250-pound Cole McConathy is now a tight end.
- I expect the offensive line class to be smaller than last year. Mark Matthews (STA) is as elite as advertised, and the staff is prioritizing him accordingly. Jatori Williams (Phenix City, AL) may be the top interior lineman on the board. The staff also likes Sean Tatum (Fort Pierce, FL), Reed Ramsier (Orlando, FL) and commit Zaquan Linton (Palm Beach Central).
- Running back is one of the priority positions in the class. The staff is in on Tyson Robinson (Jackson, MS), Elijah Kimble (Buffalo, NY), Brayden Tyson (Atlanta, GA), Myson Johnson-Cook (East St. Louis, IL), among others. The new RB coach's evaluations will help set the direction.
- There is a lot of confidence in the linebacker board. Miami is in great communication with Kaden Henderson (Tampa, FL), Jalaythan Mayfield (Charlotte, NC), and Aroson Randle, Jr. (Raleigh, NC). They also continue to work on Ohio State commit Quinton Cypher (Raleigh, NC). I'd expect us to take three here.
- A lot of talent is slated to return at DE in 2027, so the staff is more focused on quality than quantity. The names on top of the board are Jaiden Bryant (Columbia, SC) and DJ Jacobs (Atlanta, GA). Miami is in contact with both, as well as five-star DT Jalen Brewster (Dallas, TX), who is visiting.
- Although much of the conversation about CB Honor Fa'alave-Johnson (San Diego, CA) centers on safety and running back, some at Miami feel the 6'1, 190-pound athlete with 10.4 speed could fit in the cornerback room. He is a priority.
- One position on the current team that stands out- wide receiver. The transfers, returnees and freshmen all look the part in workouts. I asked about Vance Spafford, and I'm told he brings a unique ability to run under deep balls. The more I hear, the more I like my Philip Dorsett comparison.
- I don't expect this class to be as large as last year. It may be closer to 20 players than 30. The staff wants more natural attrition than forced roster movement, and they trusts their evaluations of the players already on the roster. The early returns on the 2027 class look strong.
- While he's picked up Oregon buzz, I expect Miami to make an aggressive run at QB Will Mencl (Chandler, AZ). He's originally from Broward and is someone Miami covets. QB Davin Davidson (Sarasota) is another name high on the board. The key domino will be 2028 QB Neimann Lawrence (American Heritage). I'm told he still has not make his decision on reclassifying to the Class of 2027. Lawrence and Miami have had mutual interest for years, so his reclassification would shake things up.
- The tight end position remains a focus. In addition to DeMarcus DeRoche (Gibbons), who is committed, the Canes are pushing hard for Anthony Cartwright (Detroit, MI). Cartwright is a three-sport athlete (football, basketball, baseball) who also takes snaps at quarterback. The Canes have also made a major position switch to supplement the room, as 6'5, 250-pound Cole McConathy is now a tight end.
- I expect the offensive line class to be smaller than last year. Mark Matthews (STA) is as elite as advertised, and the staff is prioritizing him accordingly. Jatori Williams (Phenix City, AL) may be the top interior lineman on the board. The staff also likes Sean Tatum (Fort Pierce, FL), Reed Ramsier (Orlando, FL) and commit Zaquan Linton (Palm Beach Central).
- Running back is one of the priority positions in the class. The staff is in on Tyson Robinson (Jackson, MS), Elijah Kimble (Buffalo, NY), Brayden Tyson (Atlanta, GA), Myson Johnson-Cook (East St. Louis, IL), among others. The new RB coach's evaluations will help set the direction.
- There is a lot of confidence in the linebacker board. Miami is in great communication with Kaden Henderson (Tampa, FL), Jalaythan Mayfield (Charlotte, NC), and Aroson Randle, Jr. (Raleigh, NC). They also continue to work on Ohio State commit Quinton Cypher (Raleigh, NC). I'd expect us to take three here.
- A lot of talent is slated to return at DE in 2027, so the staff is more focused on quality than quantity. The names on top of the board are Jaiden Bryant (Columbia, SC) and DJ Jacobs (Atlanta, GA). Miami is in contact with both, as well as five-star DT Jalen Brewster (Dallas, TX), who is visiting.
- Although much of the conversation about CB Honor Fa'alave-Johnson (San Diego, CA) centers on safety and running back, some at Miami feel the 6'1, 190-pound athlete with 10.4 speed could fit in the cornerback room. He is a priority.
- One position on the current team that stands out- wide receiver. The transfers, returnees and freshmen all look the part in workouts. I asked about Vance Spafford, and I'm told he brings a unique ability to run under deep balls. The more I hear, the more I like my Philip Dorsett comparison.
