The Canes hosted 17 recruits this weekend for official visits, and the staff is happy with it how it went. Here is the latest on each visitor:
- Miami continues to move in the right direction for RB Derrek Cooper (Chaminade). He's an extremely high priority recruit and enjoyed learning about the different ways this offense can feature his speed (10.7 100M). I liked Miami going into the visit and still feel that way.
- Top-ranked WR Tristen Keys (Hattiesburg, MS) made his third visit to Miami and continues to express significant interest. This weekend was positive. He's an Adidas athlete, he's intrigued by Miami's offensive success, and he really likes the city of Miami. He also spent a lot of time with the Canes' current WR room. This one will be a process but the Canes have a lot going for them in this recruitment.
- I like the way it's shaping up for five-star DE Anthony Jones (Mobile, AL). Going into the weekend, it looked like an Auburn/Miami battle. He already took his Auburn OV last week. He loved Miami and is feeling like a priority. Jones is an all-around athlete with a state title in the discus (161'5), silver in the shot put (58'4.5), two-way production on the football field and basketball experience. This is a battle Mario Cristobal and Jason Taylor can win.
- The Canes moved up for five-star DT Lamar Brown (Baton Rouge, LA). He loved his visit and Miami is going all out to land him. Texas A&M has been working this one hard for a while and should be considered the favorite. But this will be a battle and Miami is involved.
- CB Samari Matthews (Charlotte, NC) is an elite corner and had a great visit. We value him more than his ranking, which is already high. Texas is the favorite but this is one that we will continue to work over time.
- It feels like there is less momentum with CB Chauncey Kennon (Sarasota).
- WR Messiah Hampton (Rochester, NY) will take a midweek visit to Oregon and then visit Syracuse. He had a good visit here but Syracuse is the favorite.
- The Canes have momentum with DT Keyshawn Stancil (Raleigh, NC). He had a smile from ear-to-ear when I spoke to him and seemed on the verge of committing. He has visits coming up to Clemson, Penn State and NC State, but if Miami survives those we have a great chance.
- WR Somourian Wingo (St. Augustine, FL) is a UF/UM battle.
- I don't see us pursuing LB Malik Morris (Lakeland). Same for Anthony Kennedy Jr. (Little Rock, AR).
- I like Miami for Michigan commit CB Brody Jennings (Jacksonville). He is very high on our board as a man-to-man corner.
- Miami moved up with S/LB Tamarion Watkins (Rock Hill, SC). The South Carolina schools are the favorites, but if he visits unofficially in the next month the equation changes. This was his first visit to Miami.
- CB Camdin Portis (Charlotte) is a solid commitment.
- The Canes love TE Zachery Turner (Dallas, TX) and there is a lot of mutual interest. The key will be surviving his upcoming visit to the local school, SMU.
- DE Daniel Norman (St. Thomas) is an intriguing, high-upside developmental talent. I expect that to be more of a slow burn process but I could see him in this class down the road.
- DE DeAnthony Lafayette (Orlando) is an Oklahoma lean but Miami likes him. They will continue to work there.
