Contrary to what some folks at certain media outlets may tell you – the Miami Hurricanes won BIG on the first day of the Early Signing period compiling the composite #4 class in the country (according to 247 Sports). Bringing in that much talent is always impressive for any team but it’s nothing short of remarkable for this school, this recruiting cycle.
Mario Cristobal has been the head coach for about a calendar year and the past 365 days have not all been good times. The Canes were a disappointing 5-7 on the field with several embarrassing losses and fell short of making a bowl game. In relation to recruiting, that typically spells disaster. For Miami, wins on the field are often a direct correlation to wins on Signing Day. Case and point, Miami won 10 games in 2017 and uncoincidentally had their best recruiting class in a decade (from a rankings perspective) and outside of that season/class they haven’t won double digit games or signed at Top 10 class since 2010 when they had the #10 class.
What I’d like to do is breakdown the class position-by-position and put a grade on what was brought in but also how they relate to the needs of the roster. I emphasize that the grade is not entirely about the kids themselves but also about if they filled the needs of the position group. Let’s dive in…
Quarterback
Grade – B-
Emory Williams (3 Star)
Emory is the only quarterback that was signed and by all accounts the staff is fine with that. In his senior season he threw for 21 TDs with only 4 INTs and was an Elite 11 attendee. I give the take a B- because there isn’t a pressing need for QBs if TVD is returning along with Jake Garcia and Jacurri Brown, the presumed “guy” of the future. Emory isn’t a splashy take but is a solid one and he brings some intriguing abilities to the table. I get similar vibes from when Miami took TVD.
Running Back
Grade – A-
Mark Fletcher (4 Star)
Christopher Johnson (4 Star)
These are two great gets for their talents but also for what getting them represents. This is being billed as a thunder and lightning duo with Mark “Put Em On a Stretcher” Fletcher being a bruiser and Chris Johnson being a track star. Both were highly sought after and highly touted running backs from schools that have to be strong holds in South Florida. Mario had to battle some strong contenders, namely Ohio State and Ole Miss respectively, but he came out on top and it’s a big deal. The take gets an A- because neither should have to contribute much in 2023 but if the RB room sees injuries like it did in 2022 that could change quickly.
Wide Receiver
Grade – B-
Nathaniel Joseph (4 Star)
Robby Washington (4 Star)
Two high level, local playmakers. That’s what Nathaniel and Robby are and they will assuredly bring flash to the offense. This received a B- grade though because both players are slot guys. You always want guys who can take a quick screen 60 yards and they can do this but there isn’t really a need for slot guys at current. There is a need for outside receivers, especially ones with size, and that wasn’t addressed with this signing group.
Tight End
Grade – B+
Riley Williams (4 Star)
Jackson Carver (3 Star)
Similar to the Wide Receiver group, these two guys should not have to log many reps next season because there is depth at the position. Looking forward, though, the fanbase should be excited about them. Riley is the #4 TE in the country and Jackson is a multi-sport athlete who also played hockey and lacrosse so you can imagine the physicality he brings to the game. Both of them have elite size (6’6) and will keep the TE play at a high level when it’s their time.
Offensive Line
Grade – A+
Francis Mauigoa (5 Star)
Samson Okunlola (5 Star)
Tommy Kinsler (3 Star)
Antonio Tripp (3 Star)
Frankie Tinilau (3 Star)
I’m trying not to overact with this grade but bruh - Francis and Samson are the first and third highest rated Tackles in the COUNTRY! I would not be shocked to see one or both of them as starters when the season kicks off because they’re that good right now and both are early enrollees. You’re looking at two future 1st round draft picks who will lock down the tackle spots for Miami for the next few years. Beyond them I like the other takes as well. This group has so much size and potential. We could be looking at the starting five OL in 2-3 seasons. The OL room is losing two starters from last season and was ravaged by injuries last year so it was imperative to bring in bodies that are college ready.
Defensive Line
Grade – B+
Rueben Bain (4 Star)
Jayden Wayne (4 Star)
Collins Acheampong (4 Star)
Joshua Horton (3 Star)
It’s a good day for a defensive line coach when he knows he’s adding two Top 100 players to his room. Rueben Bain was the most productive pass rusher in the country the past two seasons on his way to securing his 3rd and 4th Florida State titles for Miami Central. Jayden Wayne is a long, athletic body that has prototypical defensive end measurables at 6’5 and 245lbs. Collins and Joshua bring good size and tremendous potential. I wanted to give the group an A- but the lack of defensive tackle bodies wouldn’t let me do it. Horton will play DT but I felt that Mario needed to bring in at least two tackles considering he lost four guys at the position.
Linebacker
Grade – A-
Malik Bryant (4 Star)
Raul Aguirre (4 Star)
Bobby Washington (4 Star)
Marcellius Pulliam (3 Star)
“Bodies, bodies, BODIES!” That’s the key for this crop of Linebackers. This is a group of talented, instinctual backers with the body types you want at the 2nd level of your defense. Linebacker has been a weak spot for the Canes for a few seasons now so throwing numbers at it is often part of the plan to fix such an issue and that’s happening here. These kids are more than just numbers but are also guys who bring the traits you want quarterbacking your defense.
Cornerback
Grade – B+
Robert Stafford (4 Star)
Damari Brown (4 Star)
This grade and this group is incomplete. To focus first on the names listed, these two really good talents. Robert is a three-sport athlete that committed back in June and never wavered. Damari was a Signing Day win over Alabama out of American Heritage Plantation, a school where Miami needs to start winning recruiting battles more than not. The list does not include Cormani McClain, the #2 player and #1 Corner in the country, as he did not sign his LOI on Wednesday. If and when he does ink, this group immediately goes up to an A or A+ as he's got day one starter and 1st round pick ability written all over him.
Safety
Grade – B-
Antione Jackson (4 Star)
Kaleb Spencer (3 Star)
This group is a little odd. Antione, who reclassified from the ’24 class, has long been considered a corner but is now listed as a safety by 247Sports. Conversely, Kaleb is listed as a LB but I am taking the liberty of tabbing him as a Safety because he will play a hybrid role that will include being at S. Regardless, I truly believe he is very much underrated and we’ll look back in a few years and wonder how he was just a 3 star kid. The safety room is in good hands at current so these two will have a little time to bud before much is demanded of them.
Special Teams
Grade – B
Dylan Joyce (Unranked – Australia)
Punters are people too! There is little information out about Mr. Joyce but according to Mario Cristobal he is “by the far the very best and could do the things that we do” so I’m going to takes Coaches word for it. If he does indeed prove to be a Lou Hedley with less tattoos that would be huge.
Overall
Grade – A-
This is the best class Miami has signed since 247Sports started tracking such things and the best according to ESPN since 2008. Mario Cristobal is getting paid big dollars, in part, for his elite ability to stack talent through recruiting. Stack enough high level players and you’ll be able to simply out-talent some opponents on Saturdays and your ceiling becomes the sky. You want to see winning on Signing Day, look no further.
Agree, disagree, whatever let me know in the comments.
Go Canes!
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