UM head coach Mark Richt concluded his first full year of recruiting with a very successful class of new talented players that are signed, sealed and delivered to "The U".
Every year on NSD there are some hits and misses and this recruiting cycle was no different. Miami scored well on the recruiting trail except at DB and RB. The Hurricanes did best by shoring up their OL with several excellent propects.
Here is a list from www.hurricanesports.com of the new names and faces coming to campus in Coral Gables:
Today's Signees
Trajan Bandy | Jhavonte Dean | Zach Feagles | Jonathan Ford |Corey Gaynor | Mike Harley | Kai-Leon Herbert | Zalon’tae Hillery |D.J. Johnson | Evidence Njoku | N'Kosi Perry | Derrick Smith | Jeff Thomas | De'Andre Wilder
Trajan Bandy (Miami, Fla.) – Defensive Back – Columbus High School
Consensus four-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and Scout…Rated as the 30th –best cornerback by 247Sports…Earned a No. 33 ranking in the state of Florida by 247Sports… Rated as the 267th prospect nationwide on ESPN300…Participated in The Opening in 2016…Earned a Top 300 PrepStar All-America ranking…Named First Team All-Dade by the Miami Herald…Totaled a pair of returns for touchdowns as a senior…Coached by Chris Merritt at Columbus High School…Chose Miami over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Cincinnati, Clemson, Oklahoma and Colorado.
Jhavonte Dean (Homestead, Fla.) – Defensive Back – Blinn College – South Dade High School
Consensus four-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and Scout…Ranked No. 12 in the 247Sports composite rankings…Rated as the second-best cornerback by 247Sports…Listed as the nation’s No. 1 junior college cornerback…Played two seasons for Keith Thomas at Blinn College…Played for Nathaniel Hudson at South Dade High School…Comes to Miami with three years to play two seasons…Chose Miami over offers from Alabama, Arizona State, Cincinnati and Kentucky.
Zach Feagles (Glen Rock, N.J.) – Punter – Ridgewood High School
Earned a three-star rating from ESPN and Scout…Listed as a two-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals…Participated in the 2017 Under Armour All-America Game…Rated No. 7 among punters nationally by Kohl’s Kicking…Averaged 36.1 yards per punt during his high school career…Dropped seven punts inside the 20-yard-line as a senior…His longest punt of 57 yards came during his junior season…Chose Miami over offers from Rutgers and North Carolina…Son of 22-year NFL veteran and Miami alum Jeff Feagles.
Jonathan Ford (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) – Defensive Line – Dillard High School
Consensus three-star defensive line prospect by from 247Sports, Scout and ESPN…Rated as the 27th-best defensive tackle by 247Sports…Ranked as the 52nd- best prospect in the state of Florida according to 247Sports…Selected Sun-Sentinel First Team All-County…Coached by Lorenzo Davis at Dillard High School…Chose Miami over offers from Kentucky, Tennessee, USC, Auburn, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma and West Virginia.
Corey Gaynor (Parkland, Fla.) – Offensive Line – Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Listed as a three-star prospect by 247Sports, Scout and ESPN…Rated as the 20th-ranked offensive guard out of the South according to Scout… Named Miami Herald First Team All-Broward…Selected Sun-Sentinel First Team All-County…Recorded 97 pancake blocks as a senior…Versatile offensive lineman, who has seen action at center and guard…Coached by Willis May at Marjory Stoneman Douglass…Chose Miami over offers from Arizona, Houston, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, UCF and West Virginia.
Mike Harley (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) – Wide Receiver – St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Consensus four-star wide receiver prospect by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and Scout…Took part in the U.S. Army All-American Game…Ranked as the 24th-best player in the state of Florida according to Rivals…Ranked as the 40th–best player in the state of Florida by 247Sports…Named Miami Herald First Team All-Broward…Selected Sun-Sentinel First Team All-County…Helped guide St. Thomas Aquinas to a 12-2 record and the 7A Florida State High School Championship during his senior season…Caught three touchdown passes in the state championship game…Coached by Roger Harriott at St. Thomas Aquinas…Chose Miami over offers from Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Kai-Leon Herbert (Plantation, Fla.) – Offensive Line – American Heritage School
Consensus four-star offensive line prospect by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and Scout…Rated as the 28th–best offensive tackle in the class of 2017 by 247Sports…Ranked No. 99 regardless of position on the ESPN300 rankings…Participated in The Opening in 2016… Selected to 2017 Under Armour All-America Game…Earned a Top 300 PrepStar All-America ranking…Named Miami Herald First Team All-Broward… Selected First Team Sun-Sentinel All-County…Helped anchor an offensive line that posted over 4,700 total yards…Spent his senior season playing for former Miami Dolphin Patrick Surtain at American Heritage High School…Played three seasons for cornerbacks UM coach Mike Rumph at American Heritage High School…Chose Miami over offers Michigan, Auburn, Florida, California, Colorado, Georgia and LSU.
Zalon’tae Hillery (Brunswick, Ga.) – Offensive Line – Glynn Academy
Earned a three-star ranking from 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals…Rated as the 49th-best player at his position by ESPN…Ranked as the 50th–best player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports…Coached by Rocky Hidalgo at Gylnn Academy…Helped guide Glynn Academy to an 11-2 record during his senior season…Chose Miami over offers from Florida, Kentucky, Alabama and Clemson.
D.J. Johnson (Sacramento Calif.) – Defensive Line – Luther Burbank High School
Consensus four-star defensive lineman by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and Scout…Rated as the 72nd–best prospect in the country according to 247Sports…Selected as the ninth-best player in the state of California by 247Sports…Ranked No. 62 in the final ESPN300 rankings…Rated as the No. 5 position prospect by ESPN…Ranked No. 34 on the PrepStar Top 150 Dream Team…Totaled 85 tackles (47 solo), 14.5 sacks and 31 tackles for loss during his senior season…Took part in the 2017 Under Armour All-America Bowl…Coached by John Heffernan at Luther Burbank High School…Had offers from 100 schools...Chose Miami over Washington, USC, Ohio State and Alabama.
Evidence Njoku (Cedar Grove, N.J.) – Wide Receiver – Wayne Hills High School
Consensus three-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and Scout...One of the top recruits in the state of New Jersey, ranking No. 10 according to ESPN...Spent three season at Cedar Grove High School before transferring to Wayne Hills as a senior...Caught 18 pass for 306 yards and five touchdowns as a junior at Cedar Grove...Also excelled on kickoff returns Cedar Grove as he accumulated 350 yards and four additional touchdowns during his junior season... Finished his senior season with over 400 yards receiving and eight touchdowns...Coached by Wayne Demikoff at Wayne Hills...Young brother of former Hurricane wide receiver David Njoku...Chose Miami over offers from Boston College, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Oregon and Penn State among others.
N'Kosi Perry (Ocala, Fla.) – Quarterback – Vanguard High School
Widely regarded as one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation…Consensus four-star quarterback by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and Scout…Rated as the sixth-best quarterback at his position according to 247Sports…Comes to Miami ranked No. 29 in the state of Florida by 247Sports…Ranked No. 84 in the final ESPN300 rankings…Earned a Top 300 PrepStar All-America ranking…Received FHSAA 6A Player of the Year honors...Helped guide Vanguard to an impressive 10-2 overall record during his senior season…Totaled 24 touchdowns and completed 64 percent of his passes during his senior season…Scored 43 total touchdowns with 11 coming on the ground during his junior season…Threw for over 2,000 yards during his junior campaign…Coached by Edwin Farmer at Vanguard High School…Chose Miami over offers from Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State and West Virginia.
Derrick Smith (Jacksonville, Fla.) – Defensive Back – Trinity Christian Academy
Consensus three-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and Scout…Listed as the 76th-best prospect at his position by ESPN…Listed as the 124th-best recruit in the state of Florida by 247Sports…Helped guide Trinity Christian Academy to an 11-3 record…Coached by Verlon Dorminey at Trinity Christian Academy…Chose Miami over offers from USC, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Kentucky and Cincinnati.
Jeff Thomas (East St. Louis, Ill.) – Wide Receiver – East St. Louis
Consensus four-star wide receiver prospect by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and Scout...Rated as the No. 1 player in the state of Illinois…Listed as the sixth-rated wide receiver and the No. 2 player in the state of Illinois by 247Sports…Ranked No. 55 in the final ESPN300 rankings… Took part in The Opening in 2016…Starred in the 2017 Under Armour All-America Game and posted game records of 148 yards receiving and two touchdowns…Selected to the Top 150 PrepStar All-America Dream Team…Was a three-year starter in high school…Finished his career with 177 receptions for 3,532 yards and 41 touchdowns…Helped guide East Saint Louis High School to a perfect 14-0 season and its first Illinois State Championship in eight years…Hauled in a pair of touchdowns in the state championship…Caught 50 passes for 1,101 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior…Coached by Darren Sunkett at East Saint Louis High School…Chose Miami over offers from Louisville, Oregon, Illinois, Michigan and Alabama among others.
De'Andre Wilder (Opa Locka, Fla.) – Linebacker – Miami Carol City Senior High School
Earned a four-star ranking by ESPN…Listed as the 22nd–best prospect at his position by ESPN…Ranked as the 51st–best player in the state of Florida by ESPN…Rated as four star prospect by Rivals…Listed as the 26th-best linebacker and 40th-best prospect in the state by Rivals…Earned a three-star rating from 247Sports…Named Miami Herald Second Team All-Dade…Helped guide Carol City to the 6A Florida State High School Championship…Coached by Aubrey Hill at Carol City…Choose Miami over offers from Georgia, USF, Florida, LSU, Louisville and Alabama.
From what I've read, they say the Haskins kid is gonna be a good one. They say His hands are so good, that the coaches had to tell Him to drop a few to not make the defense look so foolish. Shaq's Pops posted that on CIS IIRC.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 03, 2017 at 02:48 PM
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Will be a major contributor this season IF he gets it together off the field.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2017 at 02:49 PM
Christy Chirinos @ChristyChirinos 2m2 minutes ago
Miami announces it has dismissed Courtel Jenkins for "a violation of team rules." Jenkins had 54 tackles and 2.5 sacks in three seasons.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2017 at 02:59 PM
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2017 at 02:59 PM
Damn, so BrooklynDee was right about that, too LOL.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 03, 2017 at 03:04 PM
Jenkins was going to be the 3rd guy in. I'm so sick of this kind of sh*t!
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 03, 2017 at 03:09 PM
Damn, so BrooklynDee was right about that, too LOL.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 03, 2017 at 03:04 PM
---------------------------------------------
U know he's a former player under Butch, right?
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2017 at 03:09 PM
Jenkins was 4th, IF he stopped fvcking around...
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2017 at 03:09 PM
Jenkins had 54 tackles and 2.5 sacks in three seasons.
Jenkins had 54 tackles and 2.5 sacks in three seasons.
Jenkins had 54 tackles and 2.5 sacks in three seasons.
Jenkins had 54 tackles and 2.5 sacks in three seasons.
^^^^ Tell me how much he'll be missed...
Oh, and in before OGV comes in saying something along the lines of "good, get another gold-hen girl loser far away from the program". Lol
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2017 at 03:11 PM
Andrew Ferrelli @Andrew_Ferrelli 7s8 seconds ago
Courtel had 6 tackles this year, 3 of which came vs FAMU. Please keep your "concerns" off my timeline
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2017 at 03:12 PM
Thinning the herd lol. Best of luck in your future endeavors.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 03, 2017 at 03:18 PM
Their player development has just been better.
Posted by: CoCane | February 03, 2017 at 10:56 AM
And their offense.
And their play calling.
And MOST of all their QB has been better.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 03, 2017 at 03:34 PM
Damn, so BrooklynDee was right about that, too LOL.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 03, 2017 at 03:04 PM
NICE!, didn't know that.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 03, 2017 at 04:07 PM
NICE!, didn't know that.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 03, 2017 at 04:07 PM
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He won't admit which player, but played for Butch, pretty sure Orgeron was his position coach. Knows a lot of folks around these kids, and knows some of these kids, too.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2017 at 04:59 PM
No one is having a panic attack over Jenkins. We're just 1 body thinner and I hope no one is pushed into action sooner than they need to be.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 03, 2017 at 06:03 PM
He won't admit which player, but played for Butch, pretty sure Orgeron was his position coach. Knows a lot of folks around these kids, and knows some of these kids, too.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2017 at 04:59 PM
And he is still involved, talked about being at dinner w coaches and recruits
Posted by: 1mg Of epi | February 03, 2017 at 06:04 PM
SOUP,
In other words. Player development
Posted by: CoCane | February 03, 2017 at 06:28 PM
The dude who posted about hendo being dropped for having a hissy fit also posted 2 days ago that Jenkins was about to be kicked off the team, which he just was.
So the point is that Rumph didn't lose the kid. The kid lost the U.
Posted by: 1mg Of epi | February 03, 2017 at 07:07 PM
Great stuff the Blogging is lit. Keep it up Family.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 03, 2017 at 07:23 PM
No Matter What Anyone Thinks, We're on the Upswing. We got Coaches and Players Now. The QB will Determine our Future Now
Posted by: Coolmac758 | February 03, 2017 at 08:05 PM
The ACC was the best conference in college football this season and it wasn't close. Superior quarterbacks and coaches in the ACC helped it dominate its SEC matchups and its Bowl games this past season.
At the end of the season, The Canes were capable of beating most teams in the top 25. They came together in dominant fashion the last five games and beat a couple of ranked teams to finish 5-0, with double digit wins (two touchdowns or better margins) in the last five games. That was impressive.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | February 03, 2017 at 08:45 PM
86 - email addy? It bounced back
Posted by: CGNC | February 03, 2017 at 08:46 PM
82 Savage
@AhmmonR2
In 2017 rankings don't matter .... they never did actually...
Posted by: CGNC | February 03, 2017 at 08:49 PM
CoCane Spitting Facts.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 02, 2017 at 11:57 PM
It's what he does :)
Posted by: CGNC | February 03, 2017 at 08:53 PM
Ok - question; Looking at buying parking pass - but are there assigned sections or can you park anywhere in your color designation?
Posted by: CGNC | February 03, 2017 at 09:15 PM
CGNC get the Green Pass
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 03, 2017 at 09:36 PM
Ok - question; Looking at buying parking pass - but are there assigned sections or can you park anywhere in your color designation?
Posted by: CGNC | February 03, 2017 at 09:15 PM
You have to park in your color designation. They guide you when you park, just like how Disney does it.
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 03, 2017 at 09:39 PM
Not if you park in Green lol.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 03, 2017 at 09:39 PM
I love just got my parking pass too. I'm in Goofy 136.
Posted by: 1mg Of epi | February 03, 2017 at 09:53 PM
82 Savage
@AhmmonR2
In 2017 rankings don't matter .... they never did actually...
Posted by: CGNC | February 03, 2017 at 08:49 PM
Nemo!!! Where you at???
Posted by: WWIN | February 03, 2017 at 09:54 PM
Richards talking about recruiting rankings or top 20 teams rankings?
Posted by: 1mg Of epi | February 03, 2017 at 09:57 PM
Just talked to D.J. Johnson and I'll drop this nugget on you: he said he runs a 10.6 in the 100.
The man is 6-5, 240. 10.6.
^^^^ From Matt Porter. Uhhh, whoa. I knew he was fast and not just for his size, but holy shit. I couldn't wait to see this kid attack a QB under Coach Kool, but seeing that is eye opening. Wouldn't be surprised if he's next year's Joe Jackson
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 03, 2017 at 10:34 PM
We got faster this year. That's for sure.
Posted by: 1mg Of epi | February 03, 2017 at 10:52 PM
we will be very strong on D...good talent great coaching...we will get after it. I do not see Manny and Coach Kool and Mikey r backing off one bit. they will be in ya face...so Kick out the Jams MF!!!!
If we can get QB settled... get these kids in the lineup on OL...play them...and get some RB help so Marky does not have to be worn out....we will be tough as hell. we will be much better....look out!!!!
Terrance hope you are well...CGNCPa...i am dure you are!!!!
get ready folks we are going to have a nice year!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | February 03, 2017 at 10:53 PM
Our class last year was ranked around 20, or worse, IIRC. Question...after one season, where would you rank that 2016 class? Has there been another team with even close to the number of impactful freshmen?
I think this 2017 class will be similar. Speed kills.
Posted by: 1mg Of epi | February 03, 2017 at 10:55 PM
VA Cane I am sir. Hope you are well also. Love the insight you bring two this blog.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 03, 2017 at 11:16 PM
TSully.....if everything goes right...i broke my ankle Nov 3....and i heal up...supposed to walk fully 2/21/17...i have already walked...i am coming to a game...dont matter which....and meet my family we will have a blast.
I really want to come down for a game...tired of going to cold places...have not been to miami in about....29 or 30 years!!!!
I want to meet as many people as I can,,,enjoy the game...and party hardy!!!!!
we are going to be really good..I want to meet a lot of people....and have fun with my family!!!
I really want to meet CGNCPa...little AlPa....lol!!!
The blog is really good now...we have gotten past insluts, anger....and politics...I am guilty of all 3 in the past!!!! It is GREAT!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | February 03, 2017 at 11:38 PM
Brother Epi,
I saw Thomas in the HS bowl game....I was knocked out....he is FAST! I love fast!!!!! We get the line right..and QB competing.....look out for us. not saying NC...but we are going to compete this year!!!!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | February 03, 2017 at 11:41 PM
VA Cane sounds like a plan I say Notre Dame Game Veterans Day Weekend. The Game on November 11th. The Rock should be rocking. If that doesn't work I would say either Georgia Tech or Virginia Tech.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 03, 2017 at 11:45 PM
ND would be prefect.....will get my travel arranged asap...can you and soup work on a ticket? That would be unreal!!!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | February 04, 2017 at 12:01 AM
We certainly will VA Cane.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 04, 2017 at 12:17 AM
Cane you get me a ticket? Room should be no problem....I can sleep on the floor...might if I eat..and drink enough!!!!
If you start working on it now... it would be so grand!!!!
I really want to do this...i want to meet everyone I can.....through the ups, downs, fusses and fights....we are FAMILY!!! You people mean so much to me....not just for football...for LIFE!!!
I am getting my travel together tomorrow!! I really want to meet SOUP..the Godfather...TSully
CR, CoCane....everybody I can.
Soup...i am an incredible appraiser....i might come down...and never go back!
Planning starts early! TSully you and Soup are incredible...would love to make the move permanent....too old for this cold weather....we got a plan!!! I am so excited about the plans!!! YOU are the man....I really want to meet so many people Tony CoCane CR...everyone I can....especially Epi and GCanes!!! Old Skoll windy...everyone I can!!! You people make a huge difference in my life..CANES 4 EVER!!!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | February 04, 2017 at 12:34 AM
Va... maybe u should arrange your trip for, hmmm I dunno, maybe September 28?
Posted by: 1mg Of epi | February 04, 2017 at 03:17 AM
I saw Thomas in the HS bowl game....I was knocked out....he is FAST! I love fast!!!!! We get the line right..and QB competing.....look out for us. not saying NC...but we are going to compete this year!!!!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | February 03, 2017 at 11:41 PM
That line should be improved next season (how can it not), but 2018 maybe we can expect to be relevant again
Posted by: 1mg Of epi | February 04, 2017 at 03:20 AM
Nemo!!! Where you at???
Posted by: WWIN | February 03, 2017 at 09:54 PM
No problem. I'm here. All is good. Quite satisfied with UM's impressive haul of new recruits. The future looks bright - like the beautiful Miami weather. Lots of stars on the team and in the sky; what more could you want? Have a great day, WWIN.
P.S. What's the "climate" like these days in N'ville?
Posted by: nemo2002 | February 04, 2017 at 06:54 AM
Weeeeeeeeeee!!!
Porter: Just talked to D.J. Johnson and I'll drop this nugget on you: he said he runs a 10.6 in the 100.
The man is 6-5, 240. 10.6.
Posted by: Go Canes! | February 04, 2017 at 07:10 AM
VA CANE we will get you a ticket and get your Hotel booked for the ND.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 04, 2017 at 07:44 AM
I will gladly pitch in for any expenses VA has to get to the ND game.
Just let me know how I can help.
Posted by: Go Canes! | February 04, 2017 at 07:56 AM
I will gladly pitch in for any expenses VA has to get to the ND game.
Just let me know how I can help.
Posted by: Go Canes! | February 04, 2017 at 07:56 AM
Count me in too. #bringVAtoMIA
Posted by: 1mg Of epi | February 04, 2017 at 08:08 AM
Just wondering....
Has anyone ever read an article after signing day in which a coach expressed disappointment with his signing day class?
Posted by: Old Skool | February 04, 2017 at 08:10 AM
Nice outpouring of support for VACane. Love this Space!
Terrance will set it all up and then we will discuss the VA "Fund Me" support account later.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 04, 2017 at 08:56 AM
I got VACanes's meals and drinks while in MIA.
Terrance, KYCane or I usually have one extra for every game so we should be good there.
The hotel expense is where we will need your support.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 04, 2017 at 08:58 AM