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Obviously recruiting for the 2013 year is a progressive, dynamic thing. The season hasn't even started yet, so making any type of predictions on what kid will go where is like trying to find a whale in the ocean with a spoon. Sure, there are a few instances where a kid insists that his recruitment is over, but even then it should be taken with a grain of salt.
That being said, it is never a bad idea to take a quick look at the guys your team currently has lined up, even if they may not all wind up being a part of the final haul. Currently, Miami has six guys listed in the 2013 class, five of which are listed as 4 star recruits by Rivals. The sixth guy, Ray Lewis III, is not currently rated by Rivals, but figures to be by the time the full blown recruiting season hits. Hit the break for some highlight videos and a look at each guy!
The first guy listed is 6' 2" ft, 306 lb defensive tackle Keith Bryant. Miami was the first to offer him, and that continues to be the main driving force behind his commitment. He is reporting that he has over 20 offers, some from pretty big schools, but he remains committed to Miami. He definitely will take other visits, so let's hope that he stays true to the Canes.
Keith Bryant Mid-season Highlights (via wendellrob)
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The next guy up is 5' 11" ft, 180 lb running back Alex Collins. Collins committed on his Junior Day after getting a Canes offer a few months prior. He's a local kid who likely will stay close to home, although his recruitment is picking up in a big way. A lot of schools want this kid, including Wisconsin and Florida State. He has already visited the Badgers, but all indications still show that he is strong to Miami. With FSU in the mix, that could change between now and signing day.
new alex collins highlights (via olcoach76)
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One of the stranger stories so far this recruiting season has been Louisiana TE recruit Standish Dobard. The 6' 5", 235lb tight end chose The U out of absolutely nowhere on a recent visit. He has done plenty of interviews about his ongoing recruitment, but had never mentioned Miami. After informing Golden of his decision, he said that he had just wanted to surprise everyone, and that he has always been a huge fan of the Hurricanes. He also said that he is closing down his recruitment and is 100% solid to Miami. While it is easy to get sucked in and believe the kid when he says this, you also have to realize that he chose Miami out of the blue, so he is completely able to do the same for another school later on. (Highlights begin at the 2:52 mark in the below video)
Top Ten High School Football Athletes In Louisiana - Class Of 2013 (via NUCfootball)
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Athlete Jayron Kearse has been committed to Miami since January, but recently said the chances he ends up there are at about 80%. He is looking at other school, including Notre Dame, USC, and Clemson. He will set up visits to those schools, but will of course still include Miami, and should have things firmed up after the summer. Let's hope the coaches stay on this kid, because his ability to play on offense or defense could be big for the team.
Jayron Kearse Highlights (via CypressLakeFootball)
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Now we come to one of the most anticipated legacies to come through UM. The son of former Cane Ray Lewis, Ray Lewis III, is listed as a running back, but could also wind up playing receiver. He is currently un-ranked by Rivals as stated above, but after watching highlights you have to think that he will end up being at least a 3 star guy. It is always good to have the children of former players wanting to play for their parent's alma mater, and in this case it just feels right. Gotta think the genes passed down from his beast of a father will help Ray The Younger out, not to mention the work ethic he must have.
Lake Mary Prep: Ray Lewis III 2012 Highlight (via bg99)
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Finally, we come to the most recent commitment, and perhaps the biggest one of them all. We all know the current state of the QB situation at Miami, and how big of an unknown that it is. That position just got a bit more solid going forward with the commitment of 4-star QB Kevin Olsen. Another legacy, he is the younger brother of former Cane TE Greg Olsen. He was down to Miami and Wisconsin, and chose the Canes because of the familiarity he had with the program. He says he is 100% done with recruitment, and will be a Cane unless something drastic happens. Obviously people will take that to mean "unless they are hit with huge sanctions", and that very well may be what he is getting at. However, Golden has been on record as saying he does not foresee major sanctions coming down, so expect Olsen to be in orange and green next year.
Kevin Olsen (junior highlights) (via 247SportsStudio)
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So there you have it Canes fans. If recruiting ended today, and those 6 guys stuck with Miami, it would be a VERY good class. While it certainly wouldn't rank in the top 10 in the nation, you have to remember that this years class will be markedly smaller in number than the 33 taken last year. This time around, Golden and the other coaches are focusing on quality over quantity due to roster numbers (not that they just took anyone last year, but they are being a bit more picky this time around to make sure they get the best out of the class they can). Let us know what you think in the comments, or if you have any questions fire away!
GO CANES!