Here’s what’s in flux for Canes before signing day. And updates on QB, defensive changes
The Miami Hurricanes’ 2024 recruiting class - ranked sixth nationally by recruiting sites 247 and On3.com - is generally set, but there are still some moving pieces, with last-minute departures and additions.
On Tuesday, there was a subtraction: Gainesville-based defensive lineman Kendall Jackson continued his bizarre recruitment by flipping from UM to Texas A&M, just nine days after he decommitted from Florida to pledge his allegiance to the Hurricanes.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have been awaiting word from several players, on the eve of the start of the early signing period on Wednesday:
▪ Five star Miami Central defensive tackle Armondo Blount:
He flipped from UM to FSU on Oct. 22, but many expect him to flip back to the Canes on signing day.
If he does, UM would have one of the best - defensive line/edge classes in the nation. That group is headlined by top 15 prospect Justin Scott and top 60 prospect Marquise Lightfoot.
▪ Cornerback Xavier Lucas: A four-star prospect from Plantation American Heritage, Lucas has been committed to Wisconsin since Aug. 11. But he visited the Canes this past week and has been considering a flip.
▪ Safety Zavier Mincey: The four-star prospect from Mainland High in Daytona Beach, has been giving thought to UF, Alabama, UM and FSU. Rivals and 247 Sports have predicted the Gators will land him. He said he will sign somewhere Wednesday but won’t announce it until January.
▪ Linebacker Adarius Hayes: The four-star prospect from Largo High has been committed to Florida since Jan. 28 but visited UM over the weekend and reportedly has been mulling a decision since. He will announce his intentions at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if he flips to UM and the Canes need him; the Canes’ only linebacker commitment is three-star Alabama-based prospect Cameron Pruitt.
▪ Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade with five-star receiver Jeremiah Smith and his quarterback Cedrick Bailey Jr.
Though Smith has been insistent that he remains committed to the Buckeyes, he visited UM, FSU and UF in recent weeks. Miami has been considered an underdog, but the Canes have continued efforts to flip the nation’s top prospect.
A UM source said the Canes were hoping to land a top veteran quarterback in the portal before signing day (with Washington State’s Cam Ward at the top of Miami’s list) to help convince Smith to join UM.
Bailey, who has been pursued by UM recently, is a North Carolina State commitment.
▪ Running back Kevin Riley:
The four-star prospect from Northport, Alabama committed to UM six months ago but took a visit to Alabama last weekend and 247 Sports predicts he will flip to the Crimson Tide.
Beyond Lyle, UM has one other running back committed: South Broward three-star prospect Chris Wheatley-Humphrey, who can also play defensive back.
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, the Canes had 27 non-binding commitments. Since the season ended, they’ve added commitments from five-star Chicago-based defensive end/tackle Scott (who flipped from Ohio State) and four-star running back Jordan Lyle, who flipped from Ohio State to UM on Tuesday.
They’ve parted ways with Miami Central linebacker commitment Vincent Shavers and Louisiana-based offensive tackle Kavion Broussard, who committed to Mississippi over the weekend. And Jackson committed and then decommitted.
CHANGES IN DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD
In the wake of safeties Kamren Kinchens and James Williams turning pro and opting out of the bowl game, defensive coordinator Lance Guidry has changed the positions of two players for the Pinstripe Bowl.
Jaden Davis, a cornerback this season, will play free safety, and Te’Cory Couch - who has played nickel and boundary corner at UM - will play boundary safety. The Pinstripe Bowl against Rutgers will be the final college football game for both players.
Guidry also named a No. 3 safety for the game: “In nickel, Markeith Williams will play boundary safety because Jaden goes to the star spot,” Guidry said.
Jadais Richard, the Vanderbilt transfer who played more late in the season, will remain at cornerback for the bowl game but might end up at safety in 2024. UM landed another Vanderbilt player, safety Savion Riley, in the transfer portal but he cannot play for the Canes in the bowl game.
Damari Brown and his older brother Davonte Brown are expected to play a lot at cornerback in the bowl game.
▪ As Canesport.com reported, an official in contact with the Hurricanes confirmed that Miami would have interest in Arkansas quarterback K.J. Jefferson if the Canes are unable to land Ward or Kansas State’s Will Howard, who has been repeatedly linked to Southern California.
Other quarterbacks also could be pursued if Ward or Howard - who visited UM - sign elsewhere. Ward also has been considering a move to the NFL. One report said Howard is committing to USC, but he hasn’t confirmed that.
Jefferson threw 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions last season. He has rushed for 1876 yards on 523 carries (a 3.6 average) in his four-year career.
