The Canes just landed the #1 player in the country, and now they want to make a move towards the #1 class. Here is the latest on all the visitors headed into a loaded recruiting weekend:
- There is momentum with elite RB Derrek Cooper (Chaminade). I would peg Miami as the leader going into the weekend. It's still a battle, though, with Ohio State and Texas right there. I'd place Georgia behind those three at the moment. Cooper is a huge priority, as Miami does not want to lose the most talented player in South Florida. They're focused on changing that narrative.
- Miami is also squarely in the mix for #1 WR Tristen Keys (Hattiesburg, MS). This weekend's official visit will be his third visit to Coral Gables in three months. He also recently signed with Adidas, which sponsors the Hurricanes. This is a big-time, big-money recruitment, so both sides have boxes to check off this weekend. But this is a very live situation. Keys is committed to LSU and has everyone in America after him.
- OL/DL Lamar Brown (Baton Rouge, LA) is one of the elite players in the country. Headed into the weekend, I'd place Miami third behind Texas A&M and LSU. But the Canes have their boxing gloves on and are prepared to make an aggressive push. He visited in spring.
- EDGE Anthony Jones (Mobile, AL) is another big-time player with real Miami interest. The Canes love his character and athleticism (discus state champion, also plays WR and hoops). Legit Auburn/Miami battle.
- DT is a position of need and there are multiple names in play. Along with the aforementioned Brown, the Canes will be hosting Keyshawn Stancil (Raleigh, NC) and Anthony Kennedy (Little Rock, AR). Stancil is another shot put guy and has outstanding character. Kennedy is a newer name (former Missouri commit) with big-time size and movement skills at 6'4, 335 pounds. He didn't visit in spring so this is still a learning process on both sides. Miami visited both guys during the evaluation process and loved them.
- There are a ton of big-time pass catchers in attendance. WR Messiah Hampton (Rochester, NY) is very high on our board. Syracuse is the local school and he's a critical recruit for them, so we will see how that unfolds. Similar situation with TE Zachery Turner (Dallas, TX). Miami loves him as an Elija Lofton-type player (6'2, 225). Southern Methodist is the local school and he's a must-get for them. WR Somourian Wingo (St. Augustine, FL) is another name in the mix.
- DE DeAnthony Lafayette (Orlando) is a name with a lot of helium. While he's an undersized (6'1, 230) three star, he has a ton of recruiting attention. Jason Taylor loves him as a natural pass rusher. Oklahoma is the favorite going into the weekend.
- CB Camdin Portis (Charlotte, NC) is committed and projects as a quality nickel. He has solid size for the position and recently ran a 10.97.
- CB Samari Matthews (Charlotte, NC) is highly rated, but his internal grade is even higher than that. He canceled a visit to Clemson on their big recruiting weekend. The Canes are all in here.
- CB Chauncey Kennon (Sarasota) is Sam Shields' cousin and a top talent. He visited in spring. This will be a big weekend as the parties learn more about each other. Big 3 battle.
- CB Brody Jennings (Jacksonville) has a ton of interest in Miami and Miami absolutely loves him. He's currently a Michigan commit but that's tenuous. This one had a ton of momentum going into the weekend but real-life events have taken over (his father, Bradley, tragically passed away from a heart attack this week). Praying for his family.
- LB Tamarion Watkins (Charlotte area) is a high school safety with a similar build to James Williams (6'4, 200). The South Carolina schools are ahead but we're pushing. This is his first time on campus.
- DE Daniel Norman (St. Thomas Aquinas) is a high-upside developmental talent. LB Malik Morris (Lakeland) is someone who has been on campus and on the radar for a while.
