Restoring the natural order in the Sunshine State

If I can resurrect a hoary chestnut once more…

Miami: From a Bulldog perspective, if you looked at the state of Florida as though it were Afghanistan (and I do), the Gators, obviously, are the Taliban, while Miami is whatever warlord is running things in the Northeast. The Hurricanes don’t occupy anything remotely resembling moral high ground, but they are useful. As with Alabama, a healthy Miami helps Georgia; in Da U’s case, it’s because the ‘Canes recruit against the Gators in the Sunshine State’s hottest hotbeads for high school talent, although they don’t play the Gators that often.

This season, it’s that effing warlord who’s eating, man.

Miami is the top Florida recruiter

Miami clearly made a big jump in in-state recruiting in 2021. The main reason for this is the relationships coach Manny Diaz and his staff have made with local prospects over the years, as well as the improved play from the Hurricanes on the field. But the Hurricanes also benefitted from the recruiting lockdown, in that local prospects were unable to take paid visits to schools throughout the nation, but could go visit the Miami campus, even if they could not meet with coaches in-person. Signing 11 four- and five-star prospects from Florida is almost as much as its last two hauls combined (13).

Miami signed in-state five-stars in defensive tackle Leonard Taylor, safety James Williams, receivers Romello Brinson, Brashard Smith, and Jacolby George, offensive linemen Laurence Seymore and Michael McLaughlin, athlete Chase Smith, running back Thad Franklin, and safety Kamren Kinchens. It’s a heck of a haul which should set up Miami to contend for the ACC Coastal and challenge for the conference in the coming years.

Florida was good, but fans want more

The Florida Gators signed five four- and five-stars from the state and have an additional player committed who has yet to sign. Five-star cornerback Jason Marshall is a special player. Four-stars like defensive linemen Tyreak Sapp, safety Corey Collier, receiver Marcus Burke, and tight end Gage Wilcox could also be difference makers. The Gators beat out Alabama for Marshall and Sapp.

But Florida fans want more.

Inshallah.