Yesterday, 2021 Gulliver Prep DB Gabe Nealy landed an offer from the local Miami Hurricanes when safeties coach Ephraim Banda visited his school to deliver the good news.
“My coach called me into the office and I walked in and saw coach Banda - he told me what was going on and that he loved me and my film,” Nealy said. “This offer is huge. I love Miami from the bottom of my heart, man. The tradition, the culture, the rich history behind the school - everything about Miami is home.”
Another reason why UM feels like home to Nealy? The fact that his uncle from his mother’s side is none other than Miami senior safety Robert Knowles.
“Rob tells me the program is family and that they treat you like their own from the moment you walk in and that they are committed to getting you better each and every day,” Nealy said. “Coach Banda also talked to me about how he loved how Rob stayed committed to the program for 5 years and didn’t leave.”
Although the Canes haven’t specified where Nealy will play in the defensive backfield just yet, the 6-4 175 pound defensive back prospect says he does have a preference.
“Corner definitely, but I can play both (corner and safety),” Nealy said. “But if I had a preference, it would be corner.”
With all that said, it’s clear the Miami offer was a game-changer in Nealy’s recruitment.
“I’d say Miami is definitely the leader, that’s been my dream since I was a child,” Nealy said. “I remember going to all the Miami games as a kid. This is what I’ve been waiting for. I plan to go watch Miami practice coming up pretty soon - got to get more details with my coach.”
Elsewhere in this recruitment, there are a few other Power 5 schools that have been trying to pry Nealy from South Florida.
“I have a lot love for Minnesota and I talk to Georgia Tech pretty often,” Nealy said.
Both schools have already offered, while Kentucky and Rutgers are other P5 schools that have sent bids Nealy’s way thus far.
During his junior season, Nealy helped Gulliver Prep finish off an undefeated regular season at 10-0, but the Raiders fell in their first playoff game to Booker T. Washington in a tight battle, 34-31. Nealy concluded 2019 with 20 tackles and 2 INT’s according to MaxPreps.
“Junior year was insane,” Nealy said. “I feel like I matured a lot from my sophomore year.”
While Nealy has no current timetable for a decision, he does know what he will be looking for in his program of choice.
“It all depends on my love and relationship with the school,” he said.
“My coach called me into the office and I walked in and saw coach Banda - he told me what was going on and that he loved me and my film,” Nealy said. “This offer is huge. I love Miami from the bottom of my heart, man. The tradition, the culture, the rich history behind the school - everything about Miami is home.”
Another reason why UM feels like home to Nealy? The fact that his uncle from his mother’s side is none other than Miami senior safety Robert Knowles.
“Rob tells me the program is family and that they treat you like their own from the moment you walk in and that they are committed to getting you better each and every day,” Nealy said. “Coach Banda also talked to me about how he loved how Rob stayed committed to the program for 5 years and didn’t leave.”
Although the Canes haven’t specified where Nealy will play in the defensive backfield just yet, the 6-4 175 pound defensive back prospect says he does have a preference.
“Corner definitely, but I can play both (corner and safety),” Nealy said. “But if I had a preference, it would be corner.”
With all that said, it’s clear the Miami offer was a game-changer in Nealy’s recruitment.
“I’d say Miami is definitely the leader, that’s been my dream since I was a child,” Nealy said. “I remember going to all the Miami games as a kid. This is what I’ve been waiting for. I plan to go watch Miami practice coming up pretty soon - got to get more details with my coach.”
Elsewhere in this recruitment, there are a few other Power 5 schools that have been trying to pry Nealy from South Florida.
“I have a lot love for Minnesota and I talk to Georgia Tech pretty often,” Nealy said.
Both schools have already offered, while Kentucky and Rutgers are other P5 schools that have sent bids Nealy’s way thus far.
During his junior season, Nealy helped Gulliver Prep finish off an undefeated regular season at 10-0, but the Raiders fell in their first playoff game to Booker T. Washington in a tight battle, 34-31. Nealy concluded 2019 with 20 tackles and 2 INT’s according to MaxPreps.
“Junior year was insane,” Nealy said. “I feel like I matured a lot from my sophomore year.”
While Nealy has no current timetable for a decision, he does know what he will be looking for in his program of choice.
“It all depends on my love and relationship with the school,” he said.
