Coach Al Golden continued to add to the growing list of Hurricane commitments, picking up four new commitments over the weekend. In the wee hours of Saturday morning, the Canes started by landing DT Jacoby Briscoe from Lafayette, LA. The 6'4, 290-pound lineman was a late recruitment by Miami and held scholarship offers from Memphis, Pittsburgh, Texas Tech, and Tulane. There's certainly a place for Briscoe in this class, as he's only the second defensive tackle commitment, and Adewale Ojomo and Marcus Forston are off the roster. However, Briscoe is supposedly best friends with a four-star RB recruit, Davante Bourque, who recently de-committed from LSU. Certainly doesn't hurt the Canes' chances of landing Bourque by adding Briscoe.
Saturday's Army All-American game saw the Canes land two major players, both four-star-rated players by Rivals.com. First, safety Deon Bush, who was considering Bama/Auburn/Miami, donned the Miami hat, flashed the U, and vowed to put his city back on the map right now. Top-ranked safety Landon Collins picked Alabama Thursday night at the Under Armor All-American Bowl, which may have helped Miami with Bush. He gives the Canes an elusive potential impact defensive back in this class, who is versatile and talented enough to come in and compete right away at any of the defensive back slots.
Next, DE Tyriq McCord picked the Canes over Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and USC.....the second time in 2 years the Canes have pulled a major defensive end prospect from the Tampa Bay area (Anthony Chickillo). McCord is ranked 7th by Rivals.com and, at 6'3, 222 lbs, gives the Canes some versatility with what they can do with him. He could ultimately end up at linebacker, and a damned fine pass-rushing linebacker at that, or he could add a bit of weight and step in as a weakside DE. Given his size, one has to wonder how he will hold up against the run, but, again, he should add bulk and strength. Regardless, with the departure of Sean Spence and Olivier Vernon, there certainly are some options for what the Canes can do with him. McCord is still expected to visit Southern Cal, which is concerning given USC was a finalist. If he stays true to his commitment, Miami will have a promising group of young defensive ends, with McCord, Chickillo, and commit Jelani Hamilton.
And finally, out of left field, Miami pulled JUCO WR Robert Lockhart away from Virginia Tech at the last minute. Lockart committed to Virginia Tech out of high school (West Boca Raton), but failed to qualify and attended Fork Union Military Academy last fall. Apparently the 6'3" receiver has put on good size, adding about 25 pounds of weight last year. He gives this class another potential impact receiving threat, along with Angelo Jean-Louis and Malcolm Lewis.
The Canes' currently sit with 31 commitments and have increased their overall team ranking to 6th in Rivals.com and 7th in Scout.com.