Prior relationship with T-Rob leads to UM offer for DE Durant

View as article

Stefan Adams

Managing Editor
Premium
Joined
Feb 9, 2018
Messages
3,076
2022 Lake Nona (FL) 3-star DE Zane Durant has a long-standing relationship with new Miami Hurricanes DB coach Travaris Robinson going back to Robinson’s time as the defensive coordinator at South Carolina, and with the groundwork already laid, it was no surprise to see Durant land a UM offer last week.

“Coach T-Rob called me up and said, ‘You know you’ve had a Miami offer, right?’. He’s kind of like an uncle to me. He’s a coach, but we can talk about things outside of football – personal problems and stuff like that,” Durant said. “I was happy to get Miami because my mom loves it, that’s her favorite school. She wants me to go there.”

Zane’s mother Rojina Durant is the principal at Cherokee School, an elementary school in Orlando, and as an educator, she has been impressed by what she has seen from UM on the education-side of things.

“My mom knows it’s a private institute – as a principal, she loves academics and education, so that gets her hyped up,” Durant said. “Also the football team did well last season, they’re starting to turn the program around.”

Along with Robinson, Durant says he has talked to all of UM’s coaches at this point, including head coach Manny Diaz, and he says he is feeling like a priority early on in his Miami recruitment.

“Coach (Jess) Simpson, he told me he sees me as a 3-technique but also as an end rusher depending on how my body is coming in,” Durant said. “He said he’s not going to force me to put on weight, however I’m built when I get there, they’re going to take it from there.”

The 6’2” 250-pound prospect sees himself as a versatile piece on the defensive line that can rush the passer from both the inside and the outside, and Durant feels like he’d be a great fit for the Hurricanes’ defense.

“I’ve been watching their defense, I know they let their D-Line get after the quarterback,” Durant said. “They told me they’re trying to get back there as fast as possible, that’s why they’re recruiting guys like me.”

Although the NCAA has pushed back the dead period to the end of May, Durant is hopeful he can set up a visit to Miami in the near future, along with a few other schools.

“Every school I’m in contact with has been talking about setting up a visit if they open it back up,” Durant said. “I’m hoping to visit Indiana, Miami, Penn State, and Ole Miss.”

In addition those four schools, Durant also mentioned USC and Kansas State as programs that are in constant contact with him as well. Indiana is a school Durant has taken an interest in due to his long-time relationship with the Hoosiers and their strong 2020 season in which IU finished at #12 in the AP Poll with a 6-2 record and three ranked wins to their credit.

“Indiana was one of the first big schools to recruit me. Before they had a successful season, they were recruiting me as a top recruit,” Durant said. “So they just always stayed true in recruiting me, and I appreciate that, and then they had a successful season this year, which makes me like them even more.”

While top group announcements have become popular among recruits in recent years as a way to publicly narrow down their options, don’t expect to see one coming from Durant; he plans on simply announcing his commitment when he is ready, which will likely be in the weeks before his senior year starts.

“I’m hoping to cut my list down soon, but my parents said to just make a commitment when I’m ready, that I don’t need to be making any ‘top schools’ announcement,” Durant said. “So probably the summer before the football season I will be looking to make a commitment, I don’t think I will be making a top group.”

What factors will Durant prioritize when he is buckling down to make his college choice?

“The living environment, my relationship with the coaches, where the football program is headed, and a place where I’m comfortable at,” he said.

During his junior year on the field, Durant took his game to the next level, posting 40 tackles, 15.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 2 FF, 2 FR, a safety, and a TD in 8 games played.

“My junior year, I wanted to get better at ‘assignment football’,” Durant said. “I think I stayed more to my assignment this year, but I still broke off a little bit and made plays that needed to be made.”

 
Advertisement
This kid and Jamaal Johnson are big time movers in an attacking defense. They see him as a 3 tech..and this is a dt that actually plays off the ball LB at times.

I love dl with motors and this kid has that in bunches. Seems like we got the in with the mom. The crazy part is ...i didnt think we would recruit him but thought...He is the type of DL that Indiana targets....and lo and behold. If he has the frame to hold about 270-275...we might be onto something here. Not saying he is...but these are the Aaron Donald types...a kid that is/was similar to him is Keir Thomas..whom T ROB coached at S.Carolina and who we will face this year at FSU.
 
I really want this big guy in the trenches. Looks like the perfect DT for our scheme. He's super athletic and his frame can easily hold another 20-30 pounds. Love his versatility along the line and pass rush ability. Momma knows best!
 
Advertisement
To anyone with a discerning eye for recruiting, what differentiates this young man from a 4 star? I ask not because I care but moreso because I can’t see the difference and would like to. As a basketball guy I can see it in hoops within 5 minutes of watching someone play but 3 or 4 stars in football is what I can’t see between. 5 stars are easy in any sports because they jump off the screen.
 
I see a Future 3T. And I ain’t mad at that. Nice get off, uses his hands pretty good as well. Trench bully. Nice offer
 
Advertisement
To anyone with a discerning eye for recruiting, what differentiates this young man from a 4 star? I ask not because I care but moreso because I can’t see the difference and would like to. As a basketball guy I can see it in hoops within 5 minutes of watching someone play but 3 or 4 stars in football is what I can’t see between. 5 stars are easy in any sports because they jump off the screen.
Length. He is like 6'1 1/2.

A guy at 6'3-6'4 doing what he does is rated a 4 star-5star. For example kid might be more produtcive/disruptive in high school than Shemar Stewart..but Stewart is 6'5 240 and runs like a wr.

MEASURABLES
 
To anyone with a discerning eye for recruiting, what differentiates this young man from a 4 star? I ask not because I care but moreso because I can’t see the difference and would like to. As a basketball guy I can see it in hoops within 5 minutes of watching someone play but 3 or 4 stars in football is what I can’t see between. 5 stars are easy in any sports because they jump off the screen.
It's so much easier to judge a basketball prospect than a football prospect. IMO there are way too many H.S. football players across the country for any "recruiting expert" to see them in depth and make a legitimate judgement. So what they mostly do is observe what schools are recruiting them and rate them accordingly.

In basketball, you can typically see a kid is a stud from one viewing. It's much easier for a talented kid to stand out. In football, that's frequently not the case.
 
To anyone with a discerning eye for recruiting, what differentiates this young man from a 4 star? I ask not because I care but moreso because I can’t see the difference and would like to. As a basketball guy I can see it in hoops within 5 minutes of watching someone play but 3 or 4 stars in football is what I can’t see between. 5 stars are easy in any sports because they jump off the screen.
Recruiting rankings is 20% talent/film 80% politics
 
This kid and Jamaal Johnson are big time movers in an attacking defense. They see him as a 3 tech..and this is a dt that actually plays off the ball LB at times.

I love dl with motors and this kid has that in bunches. Seems like we got the in with the mom. The crazy part is ...i didnt think we would recruit him but thought...He is the type of DL that Indiana targets....and lo and behold. If he has the frame to hold about 270-275...we might be onto something here. Not saying he is...but these are the Aaron Donald types...a kid that is/was similar to him is Keir Thomas..whom T ROB coached at S.Carolina and who we will face this year at FSU.
Agree with you on the general point of this model of interior DL. Donald is unique but the Tommie Harris 275-285 lb. types IMO with the new passing world are going to be increasingly important.

On this kid, like him (a lot) as a 3 tech prospect. Don't see it so much if he's pushed out to DE.
 
Advertisement
Agree with you on the general point of this model of interior DL. Donald is unique but the Tommie Harris 275-285 lb. types IMO with the new passing world are going to be increasingly important.

On this kid, like him (a lot) as a 3 tech prospect. Don't see it so much if he's pushed out to DE.
Yea seen him work OL Austin Barber who we targeted heavy last year in camp film. Was a fan then.

Would like those types...considering we got a bigger run stuffer type in Haye last class. Would like to alternate recruiting classes with the 300+ DT'S.

I'm all in on smaller guys especially since i believe we will be abe to shirt them and not rush into playing. If he or Jamaal Johnson can get to that 270 range as redshirt freshman would be GREAT.

Think though undersize thi skid should be a priority
 
Advertisement
Length. He is like 6'1 1/2.

A guy at 6'3-6'4 doing what he does is rated a 4 star-5star. For example kid might be more produtcive/disruptive in high school than Shemar Stewart..but Stewart is 6'5 240 and runs like a wr.

MEASURABLES
Does Stewart play other sports or just strictly football?
 
When you go back and watch the film of 3*s turned first rounders, they quite often play wildcat QB. Doesn't matter if it's Tremaine Edmunds or Vita Vea. It shows that the coaches trust their athleticism and instincts.

Only question with Durant is his frame (I haven't seen him live). He is a phenomenal mover, productive and shows instincts as a converted LB.
 
When you go back and watch the film of 3*s turned first rounders, they quite often play wildcat QB. Doesn't matter if it's Tremaine Edmunds or Vita Vea. It shows that the coaches trust their athleticism and instincts.

Only question with Durant is his frame (I haven't seen him live). He is a phenomenal mover, productive and shows instincts as a converted LB.
Hold up, Durant played wildcat QB??? I feel for the poor DB’s that try to tackle this Mack truck
 
Hold up, Durant played wildcat QB??? I feel for the poor DB’s that try to tackle this Mack truck
Check out the highlight film. There is at least 1 play at Wildcat and he looked pretty fluid. I had the same thought you did worrying about the kid having to tackle him.
 
Advertisement
Back
Top