Fresh Meat

It has been a priority for Miami head coach Mario Cristobal since he returned to his alma mater three years ago: find ways to bring top-notch talent to Miami and build the Hurricanes program from the ground up.

On Wednesday – the first day of the early signing period – Cristobal and the Hurricanes continued working toward that perennial goal, landing another top 15 recruiting class that, once again, is ranked highest in the ACC.

And, the coach noted, Miami’s work is far from finished.

“It is kind of continuing to grow and grow,” Cristobal said. “We’ll continue to grow through the second signing period, and of course, through the [transfer] portal period, strategically.”

Included in that group that signed Wednesday are three high school prospects rated to be among the top six nationally at their respective positions, including four-star defensive lineman Hayden Lowe (No. 3 edge rusher), five-star offensive lineman SJ Alofaituli (No. 5 offensive lineman) and four-star running back Gerard Pringle, Jr. (No. 6 running back).

Also in that group were seven standouts from across South Florida and a total of 13 prospects who hail from the Sunshine State.

But it wasn’t merely the talent of the 21 newest Hurricanes that impressed Cristobal and his staff during the recruiting process.

It was the way they recognized the progress the program is making and embraced the culture that has helped Miami put together its first 10-win season since 2017.

“We’re thrilled about these guys,” Cristobal said. “It’s a smaller class, and we’re okay with that. These are the ones that we felt were the right ones for us. We got most of the ones we wanted, missed on a couple, had an addition late, lost a couple guys the last day, but overall, a really good signing day for us.”

Two of the areas the Hurricanes looked to stack talent were both the offensive line and the secondary, with Miami signing four offensive linemen and four defensive backs.

“These guys all hit it off really well, which is important for us because that position and the secondary, those guys have to play as one,” said Cristobal, a two-time national champion himself during his time at Miami. “These guys, they’re 100 percent our kind of guys. They are all about the culture that we’ve established and they’re certainly going to be great players.”

Now, with the first day of the early signing period behind them, the Hurricanes will turn their focus to continuing to bolster their roster through the transfer portal and February’s signing period.

And Cristobal, again, reiterated the Hurricanes will continue working to find the best talent they can and fill needs that need to be filled.

“I think it’s important that we trust a process that has [improved] the same team from five wins to seven wins to 10 wins in the regular season with a team that’s [been] competitive in every outing that we have had and a future that is bright because we have recruited well at the high school level,” Cristobal said. “We’re not a team that is strictly portal-driven. We have really good high school players at every position that are developing and are doing well. And as you study the landscape of recruiting and just roster management, the portal is more active than ever, has been more active than ever.

“So, you prepare to gain, you prepare to lose some, you prepare to move some on, you prepare to bring some in … But all in all, you make sure you’re doing right by these young men and their families and always doing right by the University of Miami and doing everything possible to continue elevating the program.”

Comments

[58 Straight]

JCane...Johnson has spped to burn but he also has absolutely no vision or instincts.

VACane...I agree with you on needing a new DC and DB coaches. DL and LB coaches are fine. And of course a portal QB will be on our Christmas shopping list. Need to wait and see who are the top rated ones out there once all have declared. Must have patience Danielson!

[AeroCane]

This season was a colossal failure imo. To not make the playoffs is on Mario! I said he should have fired Guidry in season after the Cali game and he didn’t listen! Lol! He’s now oh for 2 in hiring DC’s! He should have asked George to leave at the end of last season, instead he stays and is not disciplined and may have cost us the Syracuse game! Big Joe has been a total failure as a coach and recruiter since he’s been hired and he’s still retained! It all falls on our $8mil/yr average at best head coach!

[Herbieibis]

Well, losing Chris Johnson sux. The one player who has topend speed. Dawson couldn't figure out how to get him the ball 4 or 5 times a game. Pringle comes in, what's going to be his excuse. Mario loves big straight ahead running backs but we need a versatile back that can go in or out. Tired of watching handoffs straight up the middle.
Also Mario, talking about going from 7 wins to 10, you can thank one person for that and that's Ward. If you don't have him, with this defense, you would be looking at 6-6.
I know he's going to take 2 months to hire a DC
Big Joe needs to blow.
The LB suked too but I'll give Nickleson one more year but Jackson's got to go.
Taylor ain't exempt either, our Dee Ends ain't never saw an edge to set.
That whole unit was a dam albetros and is the reason we are sitting our azzes at home.

[58 Straight]

1. Taylor ain't exempt either, our Dee Ends ain't never saw an edge to set.

2. That whole unit was a dam albetros and is the reason we are sitting our azzes at home.

Posted by: Herbieibis | December 07, 2024 at 12:38 PM

1. True.

2. Facts.

[VA Cane]

I guess I was right so far SMU a lot like us....2 turnovers, sloppy ball handling no blocking on OL D cant tackle couple personal fouls....coach was at UM....9 players from SMU came from UM.....Its UM of The Southwest......thewy kinda suck too

[JCane]

Bringing up the question of how would UM have played vs SMU, VA? Oh, well...that one is only on the players and staff.

As for the recruiting class, we had 15 out of 21 at 4 star or more, but the more really wasn't the case. We had an excellent blue chip ratio, and the best signing class in the ACC, but the "sexy" 5 star types we either didn’t keep or reel in.

[Herbieibis]

SMU was right their with us as far as penalty yards, so those that left took our culture to SMU and infected them but hey those that left knew something others didn't, how to get one step farther and in only year 1.

[DallasTX Cane]

Hope U watched till the end VA… SMU played hella 2nd half and Q4 especially. Did feel like a CANES thing to do… get a TD to tie then give up a 40 yd KO return to lose by a FG. lol. I’m so sick & tired of Dabo- was a big SMU fan tonight. Another lol… like being a CANES fan, so close but yet so far…

[VA Cane]

So SMU takes it down ties it...then ST allow a great return 41 yards....they complete a pass and a freshman kicks a 56 yarder!!!! Great ending for Clemson...

bad fumble bad pick in their own end personal foul on a punt....2 more personal fouls no blocking no tackling...you gave up so much it puts one in a hole....SMU fought back hard...give em credit...and they had a couple tough calls....a roughing the passer that was...mehhhh...

even the kick returner ...was in because another guy was hurt...Klubnik was pretty good 4 TDs no picks but when you dig a big hole its so hard to get back...sometimes you forget things with what 10 secs left? You did not maintain lanes...and SMU kicker usually puts it deep in the end zone....mental errors...Lashley is cursed cause he was at the U!!! LOL!!!!! They are a good team and I think a bit better than us...but we would not have played them or Clemson close...I do not think.

They lost because they played jut like us....mirror image...don't execute fundamentals of the game sloppy TOs penalties no discipline...and not prepared!

Good game to watch...interesting.

[Sarasota 'cane]

Well good news Legion! Miami didn’t lose the game last week, apparently God put his thumb on the scale so Clemson could win the ACC Championship. That seems like a violation of some sort!

[Sarasota 'cane]

Bill Belichick had an interview with UNC? I don’t see him going there. He’s 15 wins away from the all time NFL wins record and there are some great NFL teams with coaching vacancies. The Raiders come to mind with Tom Brady being a minority owner.
Maybe he was consulting with the school to help find a candidate. I just don’t see him coaching there.

[Sarasota 'cane]

Miami dropped to 15 in the current AP Poll.

[360Cane]

Was about to say, []_[] didn't even play and dropped a spot. Oregon beats both PSU & OSU, and they might get in. Clemson beat SMU and they might get in. It's a mess already and we should show our support by not helping increaee ESPN's ad revenue.

It shouldn't take 4 hours to pick 12 teams. Sheesh.

[360Cane]

P.S. I'm with the earners not the ones needing someone else to lose.

[VA Cane]

I do not like Dabo going where he went...our God does not intervene in these kind of matters...and to suggest or voice that I do not need or want to hear...it's wrong. Blasphemy...way against my personal faith. God is not a football fan or football God....he is a living God of all people.

Clemson got some help along the way.The roughing call was not good, the TD where QB started run then threw...couple lineman looked hmmmmm close downfield and the offensive PI where the Clemson WRs created a "natural" diversion pick...hmmmm if it were UM we would get flagged for those offenses....cause we did this year.

I have a good friend who really feels with all the betting going on now (which I am totally against butthat's me) a lot of these and all sports are easy to fix with a couple calls...and the more I look at it and think about it....it is not outside the realm of possibilities.

It's the money all about the $....Dak Prescott makes 60 mil a year...never sniffed a title and never will...he sucks

1967 Bart Starr after 5 world championships when men were real men...not pu**ies crybabies played with severe injuries....salary $100,000. I'd take Bart Starr over DP anyday

ACC wanted Clemson and Dabo in the hunt....I do think SMU was deserving....had they won, I still pick Bama....ater the 1-2 finish I could not see us in it.....we get blasted by all 12 of these teams....why our Defense sould not stop any of them run or pass....sad but true.

[Sarasota 'cane]

I want to say that I believe the playoff committee got it right. And Penn State is gonna have their hands full with SMU!
ACC! ACC! ACC!😂😂😂

[Sarasota 'cane]

And I’m with you about the references to God, VA. The world is on fire, evil lurks around every corner, but God is pulling for an ACC college football team? It’s twisted.

[Sarasota 'cane]

Miami is in the Pop Tarts Bowl against Iowa State. The game will be played in Orlando, FL on Saturday, 28 December @ 3:30pm.

Go ‘canes!

[Old Skool]

Let's say Belichek's has had enough of the NFL. It's very doubtful he needs the money. Imagine if Belichek decides to coach. Do recruits flock to Chapel Hill or is everything a matter of NIL money now? I can't see him going out to high schools or doing meet-and-greets with parents and talking about how he'll develop young men. Belicheck radiates focus and intensity. The main reason to play for him is to test yourself. If you can handle the intensity, deliver what he wants and succeed, that's a reference that'll probably open a lot of GM's doors at draft time.

[Old Skool]

Okay It's spelled Belichick. I've never been a Patriots fan

[W]

Miami is in the Crappy Pop Tarts bowl against Iowa State. The game will be played in Orlando, FL on Saturday, 28 December @ 3:30pm.

Is anyone excited? No, of course not!

Will Cam Ward even play? I tend to doubt it. Why risk an injury? Who else may decline to play?

Is Miami going to lose another postseason bowl game this year? I hate to say it but, unfortunately, losing Crappy Bowl games has become a "Canes thing that you can't understand". Since 2008 our record is 1-11; and we lost the last five Crappy Bowl games in a row.

Not good!

[Herbieibis]

Well, unless Cam Ward plays, it will be crappy and probably another loss. If Williams starts here comes a steady diet of runs up the middle, slants and bubble screens.

[Herbieibis]

Shouldn't have to worry about strength of schedule next year, with Notre Dame and Florida being g 2 of our first 4 games.
Add SMU & Pitt, the Ville, VA Tech , NC St. Going to be pretty tough, if we don't get a QB. Didn't mention FShoo.

[VA Cane]

I would advise CW1 not to play. Now the kid has been a trooper...never complained and was all in all year. If he does not play I wqould not blame him.

We got to find a QB....now....anybody got Gray Crows #....58....help me here!!!!!...we really need a nice QB!!!!

[JCane]

Jackson Arnold could be an interesting option, VC. At OU, he had absolutely no support. I have to think he would only consider a place with an O line as a destination.

[VA Cane]

If we can block for him....we were not horrible, but it never hurts to get bettewr. Great point JC....it is a nice start!

[360Cane]

I want a Pop Tarts Bowl shirt!

The entitlement over in Bama is amusing. []_[]

[JCane]

The Washington brothers will be entering the portal

[Herbieibis]

Arnold is probably gun shy after taking a beating this past year.
I like Mateer but either one would be okay. Mario needs to step on the gas on this move.

[VA Cane]

Love hearing Killer Joe Scarborough whine...crybaby. Klatt can be a bonehead he gets a bit opinionated but aint we all? I know I am...guilty!!! At least he played and understands football....3 year QB at Colorado...pretty good.

I do not know how you make this any fairer...perhaps get the best 12, put them in a hat and draw them blind...no byes....just win baby...just win. Another old VAC saying has been "Just Win Don't Whine"....thanks to Al!

In 40 years, I have won my share of titles...2 in my HS days and a good number coaching at different levels...I never cared about how it is in playoffs. I usually had home game as 1 seed but other years I did not...do not care. Just play just win.

That is why I like Lanning and Oregon. He never whines or bitches...and he gives the press a bit of grief. He called College Game Day The Machine and he said he and players do not listen to them...bravo...he's right! I love that. Klatt says Lanning gets them on the road, gets them to the games closes the gate behind them and says lets play we do not care. Some may say cocky...no way...he believes and his players believe....thats how you win. I like that idea of hardest road to win....its how champions are made. When I was a Jr in HS we had to play defending state champs, then prior year defending state champs....in cold and snow...we were the upstart...and won both! We believed and we were damn good! The title game was not snow but chilly...and we won.

I think it safe to say we are old people....well maybe not CGNC and Mary Lou...LOL never say that to ladies....but think back now....wasent that Oregon attitude once our attitude? We were winning titles and playing whomever whenever wherever.....we did not give a damn...HS JJ DE just put em on the plane or bus....lets go its on. coaches believed...players believed and we just did not give a damn...just play. now we did not win every game....but we never complained.

Does CMC believe that? does he coach it? do the coaches believe it? do the players believe it?....do we play balls to the wall all out don't care just hit hate hurt? Low Hard Clean and Fast?
You tell me!!!!

I know Lanning has Oregon believing it and it showed...that was Hurricane Football in the day!!!!! Agree? I hope so!

[Old Skool]

So the big question for 2025 is ...

Will Cam McCormick be back for a 10th year?

[Old Skool]

Apparently NFL insiders are laughing at the idea that Belichick might want to coach college ball
He is still interested in coaching and the thought is that he'll throw or sneak his hat in the ring for the Jax job

[VA Cane]

No he is going to start drawing his Social Security and retire.

Honestly I think this is a case of overkill....8 years of college? to play football? average player at best. I had a friend whose parents worked at a college...mom head nurse dad big professor....he is a good guy dear friend...but it took him over 8 years to get a recreation degree!!!!! Really...recreation!!! How hard can that be? I do not like this extended stuff. Get real get a degree get a job!!!

I went 4 years, played football 2 years had a full time job graduated on time with a History/Econ major Poli Sci minor Teaching degree....4 years! Nice kid but that is too much!
99.99% of these kids will never see a down in the NFL...forget football study! Get real with life graduate get a job!

Classic America womb to tomb underbelly safety net!!!! Not good!

[Old Skool]

Ajay Allen and Robert Stafford. Bye Bye

[AeroCane]

Chris Johnson was a terrible kick returner but with his speed you’d think Dawson would have found a way to use his speed 2 to 5 times a game on offense! Allen was terribly underutilized and every time he played he made plays and had speed! As good as our O was, imagine how much better if Dawson had any type of imagination!

[W]

So the big question for 2025 is ...

Will Cam McCormick be back for a 10th year?

Posted by: Old Skool | December 09, 2024 at 04:23 PM

Why not? Is he going into the portal?

[JCane]

How about Johnson moving to WR, Aero? Doesn't matter at UM now, but...With that kinda speed?

8 players now in the portal, but only 7 scholarship players are part of that. I figure at least 3 , maybe up to 8, more will hit the portal.

[Herbieibis]

Àny speed we got needs to hit the portal. We need plow horses in Mario's world. Run right up the centers but. Game breakers at WR, who needs them. Just be quick.
CB's with speed or safties for that matter, we don't need ya. We need plodders in the 180 range.
Not much to ask for.

[roachcane77]

Nice to see CW1 got an "invite" to the Heisman Show in NYC on Saturday.

Hunter deserves it, but being Final 4 for this award won't hurt Cam's NFL contract talks.

[360Cane]

Duke QB to the portal. Hmmm...

TVD to the portal. We don't want him back for those wondering.

[Old Skool]

TVD played 2 games for Whisky then went down with an ACL. Apparently, it takes a year to heal. So you have a long term injury and you enter the portal? Can't imagine there's going to be a lot of demand unless he's willing to be a back-up.

[VA Cane]

TVD...Miami Wisconsin next stop...University of Mars like Oakland Raider Otis Sistrunk!
Another womb to tomb believer...lot of them in US! I so not think people should be allowed to tranfer a bunch of times...1 time then no more!

Oregon QB Dillion Gabriel fine player... started at UCF...hurt then was going to go to UCLA....then went to OK...then Oregon.....too much movement....3 different schools...dude is good player....but be 24 end December still in college....hmmmmm.....1 transfer per player should be rule.....and no more 8 year womb to tomb babies....JMO

[MLALUMNI 1970]

Non Canes related. Flying to Florida tomorrow, to see 2 specialists, in oncology. I will make up my mind about Chemotherapy after that.
I guess the Pop Tart Bowl is all we get. Never liked, nor ate Pop Tarts as a kid,, but will cheer on our Hurricanes.
More importantly, I will cheer on my Detroit Lions, and hope they make it to the Super Bowl.💙

[Sarasota 'cane]

I think Belichick’s best fit is the Raiders. He can draft his own QB and he will get a good one with the Raiders record. The guy is 15 wins away from the all time wins record, and Tom Brady is a minority owner so there’s that.
Jacksonville also has a great QB and will also have a great draft pick, but Jim Cantore is a frequent visitor and the real estate and insurance premiums will eat up any state tax savings.
My money is on Las Vegas.

[86Cane]

NEW BLOG IS UP!

[AeroCane]

Sota I agree with most except ‘Jax has a great qb’ - no they don’t! They have an overpaid middle of the road qb!