If there is a theme to the University of Miami’s 2013 recruiting class, it might be this: quality over quantity.
With the Hurricanes expected to bring in only 15 to 18 players on national signing day, this year’s class likely will be one of the smallest in recent memory.
But in this case, size may not matter. According to Rivals, the dozen players orally committed to UM entering last weekend have an average star rating of 3.42 (on a scale of 1 to 5). That average is 12th nationally and first in the Atlantic Coast Conference even though Rivals ranks the Hurricanes’ class at No. 59 overall, a result of the small number of commitments pledged to UM.
“It’s definitely a quality class even though it’s small,” said Mike Farrell, Rivals’ national recruiting analyst. “Al Golden is a great recruiter.”
Golden, UM’s coach, has received commitments from three players — defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad (No. 58), defensive back Artie Burns (No. 70) and quarterback Kevin Olsen (No. 87) — listed among ESPN’s Top 150 players. The Hurricanes are also finalists for several top prospects, including Booker T. Washington linebacker Matthew Thomas, ranked No. 6 nationally by ESPN, and Oakland Park-Northeast receiver Stacey Coley, who is No. 47.
Not bad considering Golden continues to recruit with the cloud of NCAA sanctions hanging over the Hurricanes’ heads. The NCAA is expected to deliver its notice of allegations regarding the Nevin Shapiro scandal to UM any day now. But the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions likely won’t decide on penalties until early summer, which means that players who sign with UM on Feb. 6 will do so without knowing what sanctions the Hurricanes face.
It’s the second consecutive recruiting class in which Golden has been hamstrung by the 22-month-old NCAA investigation.
While Golden has managed to entice several top prospects to commit despite the ongoing probe, the Hurricanes have also seen several nationally ranked players — including South Plantation running back Alex Collins and Atlantic defensive tackle Keith Bryant — decommit in recent months. While those players haven’t singled out impending NCAA sanctions as a reason for backing out of their commitments, it surely hasn’t helped.
“I think it’s a situation where kids are being very cautious,” Farrell said. “These other schools are in the ears of recruits saying, ‘Oh, they’re going to get hammered. Look at what happened at Penn State. It’s going to be worse than that.’
“I’m sure Al Golden just wants to know (how the NCAA will rule). That information is crucial whether it’s good or bad news.”
Whether it’s the NCAA probe or something else, UM has managed to receive only two commitments — Miami Northwestern’s Burns and Miami-Southridge defensive back Jamal Carter — from the South Florida area.
None of the commits are from Broward or Palm Beach counties and just two others — Lake Mary running back Ray Lewis III and St. Petersburg offensive lineman Jeremy Kerr — hail from Florida.
The Hurricanes have nearly as many commitments from New Jersey (3) as Florida (4).
“Am I surprised that only two of (12) are from Dade or Broward counties?,” said Corey Long, who tracks recruiting in Florida for ESPN.com. “I’m shocked. Flabbergasted. I expect when it’s all said and done, they’ll have their fair share (from South Florida) but it isn’t what I expected. It’s a little strange given that there’s a lot to choose from down there.”
Golden has indicated he’s not concerned. The Hurricanes hosted several top uncommitted local players — including Collins, Bryant and Centennial defensive tackle Jaynard Bostwick — this past weekend and remain in the running for others like Thomas and Coley.
“I think we’re going to continue to finish strong,” Golden told the Associated Press earlier this month. ”We’re going to show these young men in South Florida that we’re patient and we think they’re worth waiting for.”
