Three 'Local' Recruiting Battles Miami Needs To Win
Article photo of Zaquan Patterson; photo credit to Brian Smith
Recruit in one’s own backyard.
That’s been a mantra for the Miami Hurricanes and many other programs for decades. When it actually works out, that’s when programs generally win, too.
Look at the rosters for Miami’s national championship teams for proof of how home cookin’ along the recruiting trail has served a college football program well.
As for the Miami 2024 recruiting class, numerous uncommitted prospects could bolster future Canes’ rosters. That being said, the following three recruits have multiple qualities that make Miami need their services as much, if not even more, than any other prospects in South Florida that have yet to commit.
List in no particular order
Joshisa Trader, WR, Miami (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna
For those of us that have seen Trader play numerous times, this one was a no-brainer. Trader’s all-around football acumen make him a national top 10 recruit in the eyes of many, and a player that UM head coach Mario Cristobal communicates with frequently. Cristobal has been smart to do so.
Trader could literally end up being an All-American at safety, cornerback or his preferred position of wide receiver. Blessed with as natural a set of hands as any recruit in the land, it would be hard to imagine Trader not making an impact at the college level from his freshman season onward.
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Trader has numerous college options, with Miami, Florida, Florida State and Ohio State being four programs to watch.
Ricky Knight III, CB, North Palm Beach (Fla.) The Benjamin School
Ricky Knight was one of the most impressive players during the Orlando Under Armour Camp
Miami has long since been one of the nation’s best at developing cornerback talent. Some of those players that came to Coral Gables were raw when they showed up, and some rather polished. In the Case of Knight, he’s a budding star based on seeing him during the Orlando Under Armour camp.
He recently took in the Miami spring game and also trekked to Tallahassee for the Florida State spring game as well. Penn State has been in the mix for an official visit, and he also has several SEC, ACC, B10 and other Power 5 offers to ponder.
While the Canes could find cornerback talent far and wide, it would be best if they could keep the homegrown and top-notch cornerback talent from leaving South Florida. Do not be surprised if this ends up being a Miami versus Florida State battle.
Zaquan Patterson, S, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna
Few defenders have the overall skills of Patterson. He has played multiple roles as a safety, and during a seven-on-seven he even let it be known that he’s going to play cornerback this next fall for Chaminade-Madonna.
Considering Patterson’s natural talent, upside, playing in the secondary where the Canes need help in the 2024 class, and being from Broward County, he’s absolutely one of the most important prospects on the board regardless of class.
Miami will be battling several schools. Georgia, Florida State and many others have been after Patterson. The Hurricanes hold a great shot to land him, and will be very likely to at least host him for an official visit.
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