After one of the most star-studded recruiting weekends in program history, the first domino to fall comes in the form of a flip.

Four-star 2027 linebacker Aston Whiteside has announced his commitment to the University of Miami, flipping from a Texas A&M pledge held since June.



A 6-foot-2, 215-pound backer from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, Whiteside has some of the best athleticism in the class. He boasts a 10.9 mark in the 100-meter and a 10'3 broad jump, evident in his field-playing ability sideline to sideline.

The Texas native can go downhill and hold his own in coverage when needed across multiple positions, featuring as a strong safety or in the "big nickel" role.

He utilizes his mobility as a tackling machine. In only seven games this year for his Centennial side, Whiteside has recorded 91 total tackles, 11 TFL's, four sacks and a forced fumble.



In addition to his physical traits, Whiteside brings NFL bloodlines with his father Aston Whiteside Sr. who was a former edge rusher for the Cowboys, Bengals and Bears in the early 2010s.

Following his visit for the FSU game this weekend, he spoke highly about Miami's defensive grittiness - specifically shouting out Hurricane linebacker Mo Toure.

"Watching that Hurricanes defense in action, they're getting after the ball," Whiteside said to CIS on Sunday. "[Miami's] resilience was a great quality to watch."



Miami's latest commitment joins linebackers AJ Randle and Noah Glover as the Hurricanes haul at the position for the class.

This class could prove crucial with the loss of both starting linebackers in Toure and Chase Smith following this season. UM is also expected to be active in the portal here.

And as the road comes to a close on the 2027 class with Signing Day not too far in the distance, Miami could see both further addition and attrition ahead.

LINK TO PRECOMMIT THREAD:

https://www.canesinsight.com/threads/aston-whiteside-olb-ss-receives-an-offer.208246/

 

This commit is huge imo. Someone mentioned this before, but he is having a killer senior season vs top Texas competition. Texas high school ball is great for coaching and development. This means he will likely be ready earlier than most.

I wouldn't be shocked at all if he is being talked about like Dunnigan or Mallory this summer and makes an immediate impact.

 

 

Nice LB is a major need. I wouldn't count on any of our non-freshman returning.

Whatever happened to the potential of Kellen Wiley?

 

Is he an EE. Get the kid in the weight room and he may be ready for some snaps as a freshmen. Either way he will be a special teams demon right off the bat. That’s when you know your roster is good when 4 star freshmen are flying all over your special teams with elite speed.

 

Whatever happened to the potential of Kellen Wiley?

Wasn't he injured the beginning of the season?

 

Wasn't he injured the beginning of the season?

I don't think so. He was playing the first few weeks.

 

This commit is huge imo. Someone mentioned this before, but he is having a killer senior season vs top Texas competition. Texas high school ball is great for coaching and development. This means he will likely be ready earlier than most.

I wouldn't be shocked at all if he is being talked about like Dunnigan or Mallory this summer and makes an immediate impact.

That would be great because we need someone to make an impact at LB!

 

Nice LB is a major need. I wouldn't count on any of our non-freshman returning.

Whatever happened to the potential of Kellen Wiley?

His potential is through the roof. For someone reason the coaches trust others

 

 

If he's legitimately 6'2 215, not a thing to worry about in that regard. In two years, he'll likely be 230 lb. But you never know with listed heights and weights.

Pruitt was apparently under 200 when he got to Miami.

I'm seeing 205 as his listed weight and probably 200. Hoping it's off and closer to 215 like you say or this dude won't be playing much next year.

 

His potential is through the roof. For someone reason the coaches trust others

I'm aware of all that. I was basically asking @Calinative if he has given up on Wiley since he said he expects all non freshmen LBs to be gone after this season.

 

After one of the most star-studded recruiting weekends in program history, the first domino to fall comes in the form of a flip.

Four-star 2027 linebacker Aston Whiteside has announced his commitment to the University of Miami, flipping from a Texas A&M pledge held since June.



A 6-foot-2, 215-pound backer from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, Whiteside has some of the best athleticism in the class. He boasts a 10.9 mark in the 100-meter and a 10'3 broad jump, evident in his field-playing ability sideline to sideline.

The Texas native can go downhill and hold his own in coverage when needed across multiple positions, featuring as a strong safety or in the "big nickel" role.

He utilizes his mobility as a tackling machine. In only seven games this year for his Centennial side, Whiteside has recorded 91 total tackles, 11 TFL's, four sacks and a forced fumble.



In addition to his physical traits, Whiteside brings NFL bloodlines with his father Aston Whiteside Sr. who was a former edge rusher for the Cowboys, Bengals and Bears in the early 2010s.

Following his visit for the FSU game this weekend, he spoke highly about Miami's defensive grittiness - specifically shouting out Hurricane linebacker Mo Toure.

"Watching that Hurricanes defense in action, they're getting after the ball," Whiteside said to CIS on Sunday. "[Miami's] resilience was a great quality to watch."



Miami's latest commitment joins linebackers AJ Randle and Noah Glover as the Hurricanes haul at the position for the class.

This class could prove crucial with the loss of both starting linebackers in Toure and Chase Smith following this season. UM is also expected to be active in the portal here.

And as the road comes to a close on the 2027 class with Signing Day not too far in the distance, Miami could see both further addition and attrition ahead.

LINK TO PRECOMMIT THREAD:

https://www.canesinsight.com/threads/aston-whiteside-olb-ss-receives-an-offer.208246/

Those are elite measurable’s right there by this kid. Big get right there!

 

Tells you exactly what they really think about Kaden Henderson.

All he talks about is his NIL, never talks about football.

Pass.

 

I'm aware of all that. I was basically asking @Calinative if he has given up on Wiley since he said he expects all non freshmen LBs to be gone after this season.

I was curious about that comment. The only non freshman LB we have

Toure and Smith (both out of eligibility)

Bonner (RS Junior, he flashes on the field, special teams player, rarely gets burn at LB I could see him transferring for his final year or content to cash NIL and play ST)

Pruit (Junior) I could see him leave, he has gone through a position change and doesnt get a ton of burn.

Wiley (soph) dad hinted at some favoritism going on with S. FL, he posted about being frustrated this makes sense if he just wants out.

Marcelin (Soph) I doubt he leaves, he does get snaps as usually the next LB up and as a true junior I could see him having a spot. shoot maybe itsj ust him and Wiley who start next year.

 

I was curious about that comment. The only non freshman LB we have

Toure and Smith (both out of eligibility)

Bonner (RS Junior, he flashes on the field, special teams player, rarely gets burn at LB I could see him transferring for his final year or content to cash NIL and play ST)

Pruit (Junior) I could see him leave, he has gone through a position change and doesnt get a ton of burn.

Wiley (soph) dad hinted at some favoritism going on with S. FL, he posted about being frustrated this makes sense if he just wants out.

Marcelin (Soph) I doubt he leaves, he does get snaps as usually the next LB up and as a true junior I could see him having a spot. shoot maybe itsj ust him and Wiley who start next year.

The thing that makes me question the favoritism narrative is that it's supposed to favor South Florida players yet of the top 6 LBs only Marcellin is from South Florida so I don't know where that came from. Then when you look at the three true freshmen LBs, only Jordan Campbell is from SoFl. So of the 9 LB we have on the rooster , only 2 are from SoFl yet there's supposedly favoritism being shown for SoFl? On top of that, the LBs are coached by the DC Corey Hetherman who has zero roots in SoFl.

I've got a better explanation. Ezekiel Marcellin has made the most of his opportunities by making plays. I actually think that Kellen Wiley was right there with Marcellin making plays in practice but I think he got himself in the doghouse and we all know why. Personally I don't think it's a big deal in the grand scheme. Those who know, know that Wiley is a good kid but he is also a fierce competitor and the kid wants to be out there competing and helping his team. Waiting your turn can be frustrating for a dog like Wiley but it's all part of the maturation process. Kellen just needs to keep working and 2027 could be a great year for him.

 

with the senior year he is having, kid will be a top 200 composite by the time it's all said and done

 

I'm aware of all that. I was basically asking @Calinative if he has given up on Wiley since he said he expects all non freshmen LBs to be gone after this season.

I’ve given up on Heatherman playing him or Pruitt.

 

Well I hope Heatherman realizes they will be needed because the physicality it takes to get through a 14-16 game season..that LB depth will be tested big time. Toure and Smith play too physical to not get nicked up at some point this season.

 

Randle is probably not going to play LB. The staff is viewing Whiteside and Glover as natural lb's and trying to flip the kid from OSU. Moving forward.they dont want to try and teach athletes who dont have much instinct or experience the position.