As this thread is proving, this class is at least full of very likable kids, what feels like a pretty good mix. Now, will we feel the same way about most of them in 4 years? I'd hope, but as an incoming class, you can't help but root for this group...
Demetrius Jackson - just started playing football, blew up this year due to potential, and what looks like a very good set of instinctual skills; he realizes that Miami is home, and the program stuck with him--so he stuck with the U even as he got more offers. Showed us all rare passion in his interview today.
Brad Kaaya - the Cali QB who our staff found and got on early. He continued to shine, on the field while being a good kid off of it, showing signs of leadership. He seems fairly down to earth for a stud QB. A heady kid that could lead this boisterous bunch.
Joe Yearby - in a class with Sony, teammate Dalvin Cook, and other RBs, his name wasn't always mentioned. But he doesn't really give a ****. After committing to FSU early, he found a reason to stay home and flip to Miami (Coley is probably most responsible). As far as I can remember, which I'll probably be proven wrong, he made his pick before Dalvin; he'd play with him or against him--just play the game. Got in early, can't help but love it.
Trevor Darling - committed early, never wavered. He's a big local stud who looks like the type that will pancake you, help you up and trot back to the huddle without a change in facial expression. A leader by example.
Braxton Berrios - bringing back the swagger in a miniature-sized white package. He talks Canes, loves the history, and has a fantastic skill set for a wide receiver.
Kiy Hester - Stud NJ product that you get that feeling about, once he gets comfortable on campus and with the college game, he'll just ooze old school swagger. He's gonna pop you so hard your gold filling comes out, and then he'll pocket it. A **** fine specimen.
KC McDermott - a younger brother with a big high school rating. He's keeping with family to join the U Family, and I couldn't be happier to welcome him. I'd see him as the face of our O-line in two years rolling through campus, as a crew, looking for a big brotherly lunch.
Chad Thomas - the local 5 star who chose the Canes. Of course we love him. But he's so much more. He's a little free-spirited, he's got his rap game, and he'll dominate you on the field. I'll bet he has one of the best sack dances in the country if he so chooses to get down post-feeding time.
Courtel Jenkins - I really don't think he gives a ****. He's gonna try harder than you, and beat you. He's gonna say what he wants to say, and we need that. I think he can goon. We need his motor.
Darrion Owens - god **** linebacker did 3 semesters of online work in 6 weeks to get down to Coral Gables. Let this beast lead us out through the smoke, he wants it more than you.
Juwon Young - you see the size of this kid? Before Darrion leads us through the smoke, Juwon leads us off the bus.
Mike Smith - If he translates his pass rush skills to the college game, it wont be the quarterback's pocket. It'll be Mike Smith's pocket.
Of course, there's a whole class of guys to get behind, many more who have stories we don't know yet. I can't wait to see them competing for spots; this is a class that feels like they want to compete, nothing's handed to them. I don't know any of them, but it's just what I think through all of these interviews. Plus I feel like I could picture all of them at a party together, enjoying being teammates. I know, strange fantasy.
My favorite's gotta be Hester, but it's really hard to choose this year.
Let's hope none of them are caught throwing snowballs on the sidelines.