Former Hurricanes Coach Larry Coker was criticized for his over-reliance on internet site rankings and media buzz when it came to recruiting. Of course, Coker is the former coach for a reason, and we're never truly sure what to make of National Signing day bruahaha. But current Coach Randy Shannon has signed a quality class and even though he missed out on some coveted player, the Canes have bagged some quality national talent.
Big recruits include top-rated center Brandon Linder of St. Thomas Aquinas HS; running back Storm Johnson, ranked 22 on the ESPNU 150, of Loganville HS in Georgia; tight end Asante Cleveland from Sacramento, Ca, and defensive end David Perry of Nova South.
The general consensus seems to be that after a few years of pulling highly ranked recruits who are finally maturing, the Canes needed to concentrate on filling out weak positions, which many feel they did.
Despite a last minute report from The Orlando Sentinel that the 'Canes would bag Rivals.com's second rated recruit Seantrel Henderson, he signed with USC. Uh, have fun with Lane Kiffin and watch out for those sanctions.
Miami lost out on a number other star recruits, including Ivan McCartney of Miramar High School. He's headed off to West Virginia instead. Defensive end Ego Ferguson was thought to be choosing between Miami and FSU, but will suit up for LSU instead.
"We feel like we have an unbelievable class," Miami coach Randy Shannon told reporters today despite some disappointments.
The Hurricanes had received 22 letters of intent, 16 of which are form players in Florida.
