DL Roberts names UM to top 5, sets visits

View as article

Stefan Adams

Managing Editor
Premium
Joined
Feb 9, 2018
Messages
3,076
The Miami Hurricanes have been regarded as one of Columbus (FL) 3-star DE Elijah Roberts’ favorite programs for over a year now. That’s why it was no surprise when the 2020 talent included UM in his top 5 schools released last night, along with FSU, Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia Tech.

A big part of why Miami is so high up in Roberts’ picture is because the Canes have made sure he feels wanted by the coaching staff, with head coach Manny Diaz giving him some personal attention as well.

“Everything is going great with Miami,” Roberts said. “Coach Diaz and I, we have a good relationship. He’ll text me and say that I have a spot there at the U waiting for me and that I’m a top priority for them.”

The 6-3 265 pound prospect was previously committed to Miami for 4 months in 2018 before backing off his pledge in October. Since then, the Canes have made plenty of changes within the program, including at Roberts’ potential future position coach. Roberts previously cited former DL coach Jess Simpson as an influential factor in his decision to commit to UM in the first place, so new DL coach Todd Stroud has had big shoes to fill in that respect.

So far, Stroud has won Roberts’ over with a lot of love, as well as telling him he would be able to play his preferred college position at UM, something that was previously undecided.

“We talk every day, he tells me I’m a priority for him,” Roberts said of Stroud. “He said I can play off the edge for him. I would prefer defensive end in college, but I’ll play whatever they ask for me to play.”

Roberts was last on campus in late March, but received a visit at his school from safeties coach Ephraim Banda last month. His next trip to Miami’s campus will likely be an official visit, and he is working with the coaches on setting a date right now.

“I actually met with coach Banda a couple weeks ago,” Roberts said. “We sat and talked for like an hour and a half, it went great.”

In terms of the rest of his top 5, Roberts is beginning to lay out his summer visit schedule and a decision timetable. He will take his first official visit to South Carolina the weekend of June 14th, while he will make unofficial trips to be at Florida on July 26th and is hitting Florida State the next day for an event on July 27th.

“Hopefully I will be able to decide in the middle of the season,” Roberts added.

At the Opening Miami Regional in February, Roberts recorded a 5.01 40, a 4.81 shuttle time, and a 28.60 inch vertical.

 
Advertisement
Advertisement
I see an average runstopping DE and a potentially impact DT. Why are these kids so stubborn?

He's a kid you said it yourself...

I think he realizes his body is still growing and he's adding weight easily which means DT at 290-295 is in his future... and if he maintains that speed.. ooooooooweeeeeeeeeee
 
Didn’t Simpson offer him on the spot after working him out? Has to be a special talent.
 
Advertisement
You like him at DE or DT?

Both, I just don't see the explosion to be an elite pass rusher, but he can definitely develop that this year, with his workouts etc. He is a **** of a run defender though on the edge, and I think with his size already, he can definitely be an explosive enough 3 technique. RJ McIntosh clone IMO, with more upside.
 
Advertisement
You like him at DE or DT?

If he keeps his progression he will be a 285pd 3 technique.

Currently he is at End and plays it pretty well, depending on his conditioning he may be able to play on the edge if he ocmmits to us his freshman year///not sure if some remember but RJ Mcintosh played abit of end his freshman year here.

Either way i think he should be made a top priority for this class. At the camps i went to at UM last class...the best dl i saw in 1 on 1 drills were:

Donnell Harris, Jahfari Harvey (Um Player), Roberts, Westley Neal

we should land all those guys
 
Advertisement
Back
Top