Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Hurricanes of old may not be too far away; at least it seems that way if you look at their current recruiting class.
It used to be that the ‘Canes would regularly reel in top-five classes, and would likewise be in contention for the National Championship every year. Then the Dark Ages came about as the ‘Canes wallowed in mediocrity in the last few years of the Larry Coker era, and continued under his predecessor, Randy Shannon. After current head coach Al Golden’s first two recruiting classes, which were solid overall, it seems he’s really hit his stride going into his third season.
With the addition of defensive end Trent Harris (Winter Park, FL) today, the Hurricanes are now up to an astonishing 25 verbal commitments for their 2014 recruiting class. 25 commitments make it the biggest class in the country right now, just ahead of Tennessee‘s 24-man class.
Plus, the class Golden is putting together right now in Coral Gables isn’t just long on numbers and short on talent. 12 of the 25 commitments are considered four-star prospects by ESPN, including the newly added Harris. As a whole, Miami’s class is considered the third best class nationally by rivals, but only the second best in the Sunshine State (‘Canes arch rival Florida State is one spot higher).
ESPN considers it to be seventh ranked class, but hadn’t updated its rankings following the addition of Harris, who is considered one of the top-10 or so defensive ends in the country.
Slowly but surely, Golden is putting Miami back on track to where they used to be. But at times, it’s been rocky. After going 6-6 in 2011 and 7-5 in 2012, more is going to be expected in Golden’s third year.
Continuously finding success on the recruiting trail is certainly going to make things easier moving forward.
Rick Stavig is a National Recruiting Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @rickstavig or add him to your network on google.
