Recruiting Predictions for Miami’s June 2 Official Visit Weekend
Article cover photo of Kamarion Franklin; credit to Brian Smith of All Hurricanes
How will the Miami Hurricanes start out with their first official visit weekend? It's the start of an incredible list of recruits visiting Miami during the month of June.
It’s just a week from now that elite recruits will be getting on planes and heading to Coral Gables. Here are some thoughts and predictions about each of the prospects slated to visit the Canes (and that list can change abruptly) for the June 2 weekend.
1) Will Miami gain at least one verbal commitment from the June 2 weekend?
Official visits often bring about sudden change; Miami’s recruiting momentum should get a jolt with recruits heading to not only the Coral Gables campus. The greater city of Miami area and all the unique cultural aspects it has been famous for will certainly help, i.e. food, beaches, palm trees, and the sunshine.
Prediction: Miami will gain a commitment. Which recruit commits to Miami, that’s harder to project. Look for one of the visitors from the first official visit weekend to pick the Canes within a few weeks of making the trek to Miami. That’s a great start no matter which prospect it ends up being.
2) What position would talented recruit Drelon Miller play and where will Miami stand?
Talented all-around athlete Drelon Miller from Silsbee (Texas) High School has the talent to play any of wide receiver, safety or maybe even cornerback.
Coming out of that visit, no matter what he had in mind prior, he could have gained a better perspective of Miami defensive coordinator Lance Guidry’s defensive plan and that could sway Miller’s future position plans. Same with learning more about Miami’s offensive system under the direction of offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson.
Learn More: Miami's 2024 Commitment List and Evaluations
Additionally, if Miller were to make a pledge to the Canes, that would be a scholarship allocated to one particular position, at least in theory. That would help Mario Cristobal and the Canes know a bit more about where they need to focus moving forward with one more prospect in the fold.
Then again, Miller has the talent to play so many spots that he’s worth a scholarship even if Miami and Miller do not know where he will play for the Canes.
He also set up a visit to Southern California (June 16) so there will be serious competition for his services.
Prediction: Miami takes the lead for Miller.
3) Can Miami make up ground for one of the nation’s top defensive line recruits?
Lake Cormorant (Miss.) High School’s Kamarion Franklin has presented the natural size and strength that just screamed big-time defensive lineman. The long arms, the height, and the well proportioned frame also made Franklin a candidate at strong side defensive end or defensive tackle.
He’s been ranked the No. 12 player in the country by On3 and a 5-star recruit.
As of now, however, many believe Tennessee has the edge for his signature. It's not like Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Auburn, Alabama and other SEC programs will give up either. There has been a good sign with Franklin arleady though.
He’s been to Coral Gables before and he’s a tremendous talent. Mario Cristobal and his coaching staff will battle for the Magnolia State prospect because his skill set combined with that 6-foot-5 and 265-pound frame will be worth the effort.
Prediction: Miami finds out if it’s truly a serious player for Franklin’s services. If the Canes can even pull even with Tennessee for Franklin, watch out.
4) Could Miami find its future middle linebacker?
Watching Keyshawn Flowers run around and hammer opposing ball carriers made it easy to see why the Canes, Alabama Crimson Tide, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and many others offered him a scholarship.
The 6-foot-2 and 215-pound inside linebacker showcased an incredible ability to time his blitzes to create tackles for loss and sacks. He quite frankly fooled numerous players with when he’d take off. It was brilliant.
He’s going to be on campus this upcoming weekend and he’s been to Miami before. The competition shall be still for the Severn (Md.) Archbishop Spalding prospect. Even so, look for Miami to at least be considered one of the favorites for his services by the end of Flowers’ official visit.
Prediction: This one should be considered cloudy with the Canes getting the first swing. Bama always recruits linebackers well and Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman will always be in contention for linebacker prospects since that’s the spot he used to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Do not count out Maryland either. It’s the home school. Flowers should be considered one of the more intrguing recruits visiting Miami during the month of June.
5) Where does Jerrae Hawkins fit in?
He's a proven burner, of that there's no doubt. IMG Academy wide receiver Jerrae Hawkins probably fits the slot receiver position best, however. Which begs the following question.
Miami signed Nathaniel Joseph and Robby Washington from the 2023 class and both can play slot like Hawkins. Perhaps Washington moves outside, at least part of the time.
As for Hawkins, it's hard to turn down that big-time speed. Hawkins can change a game with one play. He could also be a punt return candidate.
Prediction: The Miami coaching staff will gain a better perspective of where it stands with Hawkins and can decide whether he will be a great fit or not this next weekend. Because he's been to Miami for an unofficial visit already, the June 2 weekend should be eye-opening for Hawkins and Miami's staff.
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Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.