Miami has been on a recruiting rise recently, securing commitments from multiple blue-chip prospects. The Hurricanes are tied to several potential pledges for the 2023 class and the outlook looks bright for future classes. We take a look at some of the potential 2024 prospects from South Florida and other locations that can take the program to greater heights.
Smith is in the conversation for the top wide receiver spot nationally along with being a homegrown talent. After missing on so many elite South Florida wideouts in the past, securing the talents of Smith is a must for Miami. Smith is a special talent that boasts NFL pedigree (cousin of Seahawks QB Geno Smith), production (800+ yards & 10 touchdowns in 2021), and a winning resume. Ohio State will be the team Miami will battle with down the stretch.
Miami gets a head start on the Ricks sweepstakes thanks to him playing for the hometown Miami Immortals 7-on-7 program where he is surrounded by Miami commits and targets. Ricks is the prototype, measuring in at 6'2," 180 pounds with next-level professionalism that is lauded by coaches. The competition will be stiff, as every top program is vying for Ricks's talents. The Virginia native took a visit to Miami in early June.
Linebacker play has been one of the missing keys to Miami's success for the better part of the last decade. Capers is a plug-and-play type prospect with the positional versatility to rush the passer or remain as a second-level defender. He holds over 20 offers going into his junior season, but Coach Mario Cristobal and his Columbus ties should have Miami in a good position.
After shining at Miami Central as a Sophomore, JoJo Trader recently made the move to Chaminade-Madonna to play with childhood friend Smith. Trader has Travis Hunter-type potential as a two-way player, and can easily be placed in the conversation of the nation's best at wide receiver, but also has the potential to be a blue-chip cornerback. Trader holds over 30 offers after a sophomore season where he averaged over 100 yards per game.
The 2024 class is loaded at the running back position, but the hometown talent is always the priority. Smith & Trader headline the Chaminade passing attack, but Gause, commonly known as 'Bullet,' is the driver of the rushing attack.
Taking over for current Miami Hurricanes running back Thad Franklin in 2021, he ran for over 1800 yards and 17 touchdowns, earning All-American honors and a state championship ring. Bullet is a throwback power-type runner, willing to go through anyone that stands in his path. Miami will have to fight off Georgia and 20 other offers for his services.
St. Thomas Aquinas has been good to Miami in the past, and the next Miami target from the Raiders is Chance Robinson. A (6-1,180), strong-framed wide receiver, Robinson has the potential to break out as a featured target in 2021. He earned a re-offer from the new staff at Legends Camp last Saturday after a big camp performance.
Patterson is an explosive safety that has the athletic profile to play either spot on the back end of the secondary. He shined as a two-way player in 2021, creating huge plays against elite opponents American Heritage Plantation (FL) and Seminole (FL) while collecting 69 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 INTs, and blocking 9 kicks. Georgia and Alabama are recent visits for Patterson.
Dillard has been a growing defensive pipeline for Miami. Jackson is trending towards the next to don the green and orange. A current Georgia commit, he has been a frequent visitor of Coral Gables despite his pledge. Jackson was a lock-down corner in 2021, recording four interceptions against top South Florida talent. He is a potential flip candidate as soon as this weekend.
Capers's new running mate at Columbus holds over 20 offers & was highly productive for Florida 5A state championship contender Miami Killian in 2021 (13 sacks). He is a 6'4" 225 lb pass rusher who should see more one-on-one opportunities now that he isn't the only elite defender getting after the QB. Michigan, Florida State, and Florida received visits from Stephenson this off-season.
Gaskin is widely recognized as a Top 10 Safety prospect but has spent most of his prep career playing quarterback for a Vanguard program that has won 19 games in the last two seasons. Gaskin has noticeable football knowledge as he is able to contribute in several different roles on both sides of the ball. Has visited Miami multiple times over the last year.
The younger brother of Jets QB Zach Wilson visited Miami from Utah twice in 2022, showing that the distance is not an issue. Plays for a program with elite QB pedigree, as Wilson's two predecessors, were both Top 10 prospects.
Hardy spent time with the Miami Immortals this off-season and took a visit to Miami in early June. The move from Lewisville, TX to IMG makes the commute over the next year and a half easier for the four-star safety. Has the coverage skills to play in the slot, as evidence of his highly productive seven-on-seven season.
