We Didn't Skate - Free Agency Edition

Hello All,

SO Al Golden decided to go all Pat Riley and start signing free agents. Since National Signing Day, Miami inked 6 more guys to National Letters of Intent. I figured, since kickoff is getting close, an update for those keeping track at home would be good. So, without further ado, the updated class of 2013. NOTE: I left the original write up here and bolded any edits. Ya know...for laughs and to remind us all how fluid this sport is.

Today was National Signing Day. It was…not ideal.

In all my years following this schandenfreude know as recruiting, this was by far the craziest year. I hazard a guess that we are far from done with news about this class, just because getting here has been so full of momentum swings that there is no way they can stop today.

Never have I seen such a large percentage of a team’s signing class wait until the last moment to make their choice. That invariably leads to much consternation on the part of fans and, more importantly, coaching staffs.

Miami lost some battles today. They won some battles today too. Already the “Fire Golden” legions are forming.

Losing out on some of the players Miami failed to sign today hurts, but I am not so ready to point fingers at the coaching staff. A coach’s job is to identify the players it wants and then recruit them as hard as they possibly can.  I think it is indisputable that the staff did this. As Al Golden said in his press conference, the staff only went on in home visits with 27 prospects...and signed 16 of them.

So to say they failed, unless speaking in a very binary manner, is wrong.

Instead, I think this is the result of a lot of different factors coming home to roost.

First, let’s start with the basics. Kids start getting heavily recruited during their sophomore and junior years. That means the kids that signed today spent almost their entire recruitment being told that Miami was under NCAA investigation, and surely a candidate for the Death Penalty. For two years, it was hammered in to their head that Miami was on Death’s Door...and all Miami could do was make non-definitive statements in their own defense.

Add to the fact that Miami has had to rebuild from the ground up on the field. 

And the fact that Al Golden showed some backbone this class and refused to grovel at the feet of certain coaches…and the results that can bring, which I detailed in my last post.

And the fact that because of a hard cap on scholarships this season, the class size was limited.

And the fact that this year, Miami just didn’t get the breaks they got last year.

What do you get? A highly tenuous platform to recruit from. This isn’t excuse making, it is reasoning. This was going to be a difficult class. We had higher hopes for Signing Day, to be sure. You could see it on Al Golden’s face.

A popular refrain amongst ‘Cane fans these past two years has been “We skate.” It means that we are going to get off with a slap on the wrist at the conclusion of this NCAA investigation. Now that the NCAA messed its drawers, this saying has become more popular than ever.

Newsflash: we didn’t skate. We could wash our hands of this mess today and still have missed out on an ACC Title Game and 2 bowl games, plus countless recruits, because of the cloud that came with it. At the end of the day, the NCAA got us. 

Now we are through signing day, and came out just fine. 

There are a lot of difference makers in this class; we just didn’t get all our targets. That is recruiting. Now it is on the staff to focus on next year’s class, and develop what we already have. That, after all, is how you win…develop your players. And usually it is easier if the players want to be there. And with all the excuses to not sign with Miami this year, the list below is doubly impressive.

On to the breakdown:

First, we start with a couple of HUGE coaching hires that have essentially made the Miami coaching staff the best recruiting staff in the country.

Mario Cristobal (Assistant Head Coach / Tight Ends Coach)

Cristobal came on board to replace George McDonald on the staff, and it was a grand slam hire. Cristobal won a title as an offensive lineman and as an assistant coach with this program in the past, and had FIU doing things they had never done before when he was surprisingly fired by Crazy Pete Garcia following a rebuilding year. Cristobal will probably not be around for long, as he will be a head coach again. But until he leaves for greener pastures, he will be a great recruiter, given his ties to the South Florida area, and a good Tight Ends Coach.
UPDATE: Left to be OL coach at Alabama. Grrrr.

James Coley (Offensive Coordinator)

When Jed Fisch, who we love here at Stein on the Sidelines, left for the Jacksonville Jaguars 3 weeks before signing day, our buttholes puckered. So what did Al Golden do? Nothing, except grab a Nick Saban tutored Miami native (who happened to be FSU’s Ace recruiter) to take over. If this guy recruits up to his reputation…well, sometimes life is unfair. And the Seminoles and Gators will quickly learn how that feels.

Now on to the players.

QB

Kevin Olsen (Wayne, NJ)

Or as he is known on the message boards, “Baby Jesus”. The younger brother of former All American Tight End Greg, Olsen is considered the QB of the future, and has been for several years now. He is still growing, and every time he is seen he appears to have added more weight, which makes sense given that all of his brothers were huge. He is the son of a legendary high school coach and will redshirt behind Stephen Morris this season, before becoming the favorite to win the starting job as a redshirt freshman. ESPN compared him to Louisiana Tech’s Colby Cameron…the most common comparison is a bigger, stronger armed, right handed Kellen Moore. Those are very good things when you look at the talent being assembled around him. Chose Miami over Wisconsin and South Carolina.

RB

Augustus Edwards (Tottenville, Staten Island)

Edwards became a man in much demand at the end of the recruiting cycle, as he went from a Syracuse commitment to yet another Miami / FSU battle. He went down to the last day before making his decision. He is a favorite of James Coley, who most likely will look to use him in a Lonnie Pryor / Quad Hill fashion…a big hybrid running back – fullback that can be used as a ballcarrier, a blocker and a receiver while being paired with a more traditional tailback. Essentially, Edwards, the nation’s #1 ranked fullback prospect by Rivals, is another versatile prospect in a class full of them.

Corn Elder (Nashville, TN)
Elder is a two sport star that signed more than a week after signing day, picking the 'Canes seemingly out of nowhere. He is small but extremely explosive, a player in the mold of a former 'Cane by the name of Albert Bentley. Everyone that has seen him play says one thing: "tough". Will also try to play point guard for the basketball team. Absolutely great signing at a position of need.

WR

Stacey Coley (Northeast High)

Coley was the best receiver prospect in  the state of Florida. He is smooth and polished, and plays with “swag” (go to the 1:40 mark…or the 4:35 mark…really just watch the whole thing because it is incredible.). Buzz began to build around him when we has a sophomore and tape of a tryout (go to the 1:57 mark) for a 7 on 7 team was released. In the tape, he made Tracy Howard (a 5 star player and #1 corner in the entire class of 2012) look silly, and went toe to toe with Deon Bush. There was much rumor of off the field issues (namely that was is a punk on the field and uncoachable, which remains to be seen), but Golden decided he was worth the risk, and Miami won a head to head battle with FSU for his services.

Derrick Griffin (Rosenberg, TX)

This is a giant wideout prospect at 6'6" and more than 210 pounds. Rated as the No. 3 overall receiver prospect in the country by Rivlas, Griffin was a long time Texas A&M commitment, but reported grade issues lead him to pick Miami over the Aggies and Auburn nearly two weeks after signing day. Will go to prep school for a semester before transferring into Miami, where he will start off playing basketball in the winter and then football in the spring.

TE

Standish Dobard (New Orleans, LA) – Early Enrollee

Dobard is a rare bird…a top recruit from SEC country that picked Miami early, never wavered, and then helped recruit players to come in and compete at his position. He is 6’5”, 235 lbs and has no problem blocking. Will benefit immensely from enrolling early, as he will go through UTough and learn the playbook in the spring, giving him a very good chance of getting snaps at the tight end position and on special teams.  Had offers from all the big boys in the SEC.

Ryheem Lockley (Saluda, VA)

Lockley is a 100% lock to be going to prep school…the always beloved gray shirt. He is a very impressive athlete at 6’4”, 217 lbs. This is another steal from the backyard of Virginia and Virgina Tech, and says he will most likely be a tight end/ receiver hybrid for the ‘Canes…but as someone who believes in putting elite athletes that could go either way on defense, I want to believe he might be an edge rusher as well. Chose Miami over reported offers from UVa, VTech, West Virgina and Florida.
UPDATE: Did not qualify. Headed to prep school, where he will play receiver and tight end before hopefully transferring to Miami in December.

Beau Sandland (Pierce C.C.) – Early Enrollee

This is THE instant impact recruit of this class. Sandland is a 6’5”, 250 lb monster that has a tape reminiscent of guys like Jeremy Shockey and Kevin Everett.  This guy has the potential to take the offense from very good to elite, almost on his own. In the last 3 games of last season we saw what happens when the tight ends produces …40 points each time out. “Enter Sandland” is more talented than anyone we had on the roster last season, and is being brought in for one reason…create mismatches and wreck gameplans.  Chose Miami over Arizona State and Nebraska.

OL

 

Alex Gall (Cincinnati, OH)

The type of recruit you love. He is nasty and profiles as an interior lineman. His high school is a perennial powerhouse, and he committed early, took no visits, and became a recruiter for the ‘Canes. Not much more to be said…this is the type of guy that becomes the glue of an o-line. Had offers from Lousiville, Illinois and Cincinnati according to Rivals.

Hunter Knighton (Princeton, NJ) – Early Enrollee

Knighton is, by all accounts, a nasty nasty player with a lot of athleticism whose rating was hurt by not having a set position. Knighton could play any of the three o-line spots or on the d-line…but will start off at tackle most likely. This staff has a type of guy they like to recruit more than others, and he is it…well spoken off the field, mean between the lines, and quiet enough to stay out of the spotlight. Chose Miami over Boise State and Boston College.

Sonny Odogwu (Hargrave Military Academy) – Early Enrollee

Odogwu is the definition of a ‘Project’, but could end up a superstar. Odogwu is 6’9” and looks more like a power forward than a football player, and has elite athleticism at the position for a man his size. He is raw, having moved from Africa as a 16 year old, but with a couple of seasons on the scout team could develop in to the type of player they do College Gameday features about. Maybe the highest ceiling of anyone in the class, and with the depth we currently have at the position, worth the gamble. Chose Miami over Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Mississippi State.

DL

Julio Derosier (College of the Sequoias)
Derosier is a late add to the class. He is a tall, powerfully built prospect who probably profiles similarly to Kamalu, listed below. The coaches have identified defensive line as the position on this roster most in need of immediate help and depth, and Derosier is part of the solution. Most likely will not set the world on fire, but a big, strong edge setter is always in high demand. The late riser, a Homestead native, also reported offers from Oregon and Washington.


Ufomba Kamalu (Butler County C.C.)

Kamalu is another tall, athletic Nigerian to add to Odogwu in this class. He is listed to be 6’5” or 6’6”, and right around 280 lbs. He will most likely be an edge setting defensive end; this was an off the radar recruit who came on board with only a couple of weeks left before Signing Day. While many fans are panning him already, I love the signing. His tape says that he will be able to set the edge and fight through blocks. He has the potential to develop into someone with JJ Watt’s size, and if his athleticism is as high as his coaches say, he could be an absolute handful for opposing offenses. He also has the potential to slide inside and play tackle, giving Golden and Crew yet another versatile defensive lineman to mold, just like Olsen Pierre, Jelani Hamilton and Jake O’Donnell before him. He came on as the Junior College season progressed, peaking in the National Title game, in which he had 2.5 sacks. Auburn and West Virginia were the main competition for his signature.

Naim Mustaffah (Alpharetta, GA, via Oklahoma State)
A "Waiver wire" addition that initially committed to UGA and then signed with Oklahoma State. He participated in spring ball before deciding to leave the program. He told the coaches at Hawaii he would be transferring there, but then signed with Miami. I don't know what the fuck any of that means about his mind state, but the reality is that this kid is 6'4", 240 lbs and was a Top 20 DE recruit according to several sources. Will sit out 2013 as a transfer redshirt and then have 4 years of eligibility starting in 2014.

Al- Quadin Muhammad (Ramsey, NJ)

Elite prospect as a rush end from the elite Don Bosco program. Chose Miami over Alabama and Notre Dame two days before those two squared off for the national title…yes, he is pretty damn good. Will most likely figure in to the rotation as a freshman, both with his hand down as a traditional end and in the Tyriq Mccord role from last season. Future first round pick.

Ernest Suttles (Tampa Gaither High via Nebraska)

Suttles signed with Nebraska on Signing Day and went through spring practice there before getting kicked off the team for fighting a teammate, allegedly with a beer bottle. He will get a second chance in Coral Gables after sitting out a year per NCAA transfer rules. Suttles is 6'5", 250 lbs and still growing. He came to football within the last two years as he previously played only basketball. He profiles as a strongside end that could crash the pocket or, if he grows enough, and interior pass rushing defensive tackle. Really solid late get. 

LB

Devante Bond (Sierra C.C.)

Bond is a pass rush specialist whose main attribute is undeniable speed. He is a smart player who could potentially become an everydown guy, but his immediate objective will be to bring heat off the edge and spark a pass rush that was non-existent last season. He is what Spencer Adkins could have been for this program…a short, compact edge rusher who can at the very least be an impact player on obvious passing downs. Chose Miami over Oklahoma, Cal, Fresno State and Tennessee.
 UPDATE: Did not qualify. Will try to make it in December.

Alex Figueroa (Stafford, VA) – Early Enrollee

This is the mystery man in this class. Figs was an elite performer as a high school junior and then kind of disappeared due to grades. He was set to play prep school ball this year before getting injured. A lot of “experts” have panned this as a Plan C type, but his highlight tape screams Plan A. Our best player on defense last season was Eddie Johnson, and when he was signed a couple of years ago his tape screamed “fast and physical, but raw”. The same could be said last year of Gabe Terry, who showed promise as a true freshman playing 40 pounds underweight. Figueroa, to me, is the next in that line of prospects…fast, violent, and raw. Also, when you have guys like Terry and Johnson on the team that are…to be polite…a little out there, it is nice to have insurance. Figs will most likely redshirt but as an early enrollee might find himself playing minutes in packages and on special teams.

Jermaine Grace (Miramar)

Grace was the Broward County big school defensive player of the year, and when you watch his film you see a lot of what made Sean Spence great. Grace plays with reckless abandon and is always willing to come up and thump people, as exemplified by his big hit on a 265 lb running back in the Semper Fi All Star Game. While Grace weighs in at 208 lbs on his 6’2” frame right now, he will end up in the 225-235 lb range and be an asset in the passing game as a coverage linebacker as well. Grace played at one of the best programs in South Florida and is no stranger to big games against big opponents. Grace is a great pickup to continue the pipeline started last year with Malcolm Lewis and Tracy Howard. Chose Miami over Tennessee, Texas A&M and Louisville.

Walter Tucker (American Heritage)
Tucker was a very late addition to the class. He is a world class hurdler who originally was set to go to Clemson to compete in football and track, but switched to Miami when the Tigers tried the ol' bait and switch.  The coaches will start him at linebacker.

DB

Artie Burns (Miami Northwestern)

Burns is perhaps the best athlete in this class, and certainly the most explosive. He is 6’1” and will probably end up around 200 lbs, but has the talent to play either corner or safety..a la Deon Bush last season. When that is combined with world class speed (he was the fastest hurdler in the nation as a junior and has Olympic potential), you get a guy that will contribute early. Burns will be a terror as a kick blocker, and could see time in the return game as well. Miami’s biggest competition for him was LSU. FSU and Alabama…that says pretty much everything you need to know when it comes to defensive backs.

Jamal Carter (Miami Southridge)

Carter is the best size/speed combo Miami has recruited at safety since Ray Ray Armstrong.. He can come up and hit or drop back in coverage, and is deadly on the blitz. He will compete from day one to get in to the safety rotation, and between Burns, Carter, Bush and Rayshawn Jenkins, Al Golden has turned a weak spot in to a position group of tremendous talent in only two signing days. Chose Miami over LSU and Clemson.

Corn Elder (Nashville, TN)
Elder is a two sport star that signed more than a week after signing day, picking the 'Canes seemingly out of nowhere. He is small but extremely explosive, a player in the mold of a former 'Cane by the name of Albert Bentley. Everyone that has seen him play says one thing: "tough". Will also try to play point guard for the basketball team. Absolutely great signing that will start out at DB but could end up at running back or receiver and will definitely contribute on special teams.

ATH

Ray Lewis III (Lake Mary Prep)

Yes, he is the son of THAT Ray Lewis. While the Ray the Third played at a small school and is not the biggest kid, he has done nothing but dominate since he was in middle school…and it is hard to deny those bloodlines. He has the potential to line up on offense at running back or in the slot, or on defense in the secondary, but we all know one thing…every play, he will fight his ass off. He will do whatever it takes for this program to win, and he will do it with a smile on his face. Some things are inarguable. One of those things is that having a Lewis on the field is never a bad thing for the Miami Hurricanes.