Who Are The Next Miami Hurricanes Defensive Tackle Targets After Missing Justin Scott? | Donno Mailbag
The Miami Hurricanes come off a roller coaster July 4th weekend. They missed on a few recruiting targets but managed to land a big fish: 4-Star edge rusher Marquise Lightfoot.
I'll take a look at what happens next in a new mailbag. To submit a question, you can tweet me @LockedOnCanes.
Q: So with Scott committed to OSU, Who is our BIGGEST DT/DE target now? -Quinell
A: Losing out on 5-Star DT Justin Scott stings, but Miami still has irons in the fire for several other blue-chippers on the defensive front. Two players I will be watching very closely are 5-Star Kamarion Franklin from Cormorant, MS and 4-Star Artavius Jones from Blountstown, FL.
I don't have a clear timeline as to when either of them will announce, but the Hurricanes made serious strides with each of them during their June official visits. Franklin, who will decide between Miami, Tennessee, and Ole Miss, is planning a fifth visit to The U at the end of July when the dead period ends.
Franklin has built a strong bond with Jason Taylor, while Jones has gravitated well towards co-DL coach Joe Salave'a.
Miami is recruiting a handful of other top D-Lineman but face uphill battles for the likes of David Stone, Dylan Stewart and Colin Simmons. Stone has been trending to Oklahoma, Stewart to Ohio State and Simmons to either LSU or Texas.
It's worth noting that Miami will likely keep recruiting Scott despite his Ohio State pledge. However, apparently sitting no better than third place behind Michigan does bode well for a potential flip. I've been told that the distance from Scott's hometown of Chicago is a factor for his family. They prefer a destination in the midwest.
Q: Do you think Miami still will land a top 10 recruiting class? If so what are the pieces we HAVE to have? -G
A: They can finish in the top 10 but things are obviously not trending that way at the moment. The outlook isn't terrible, either. The Canes currently have the 20th ranked Class of 2024 per 247 Sports.
Finishing in the Top 10 for the second straight year will partially depend on how the teams in front of them close, but I think Miami can get there if they two or three of their 5-Star targets.
Above, I mentioned some 5-Star defensive linemen that the Canes are still in play for. The Hurricanes are also diligently recruiting local standouts like 5-Star WR Joshisa "JoJo" Trader and safety Zaquan Patterson, both from Chaminade-Madonna.
Closing on players like these would be a lot easier if the Hurricanes jump out to a solid start on the field this season. Remember, national signing day isn't until December! Miami has plenty of time to change their fortunes.
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