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Canes Stay Hot In South Florida, Land Local CB Standout Nigel Bethel

A year removed from being blasted by pretty much everyone about their South Florida recruiting efforts, Golden and his staff are showing everyone what they can expect from now on.

By Lt. Philip Nolan
Student Sports

It's just now the middle of July, and as of today, Miami has 22 commitments lined up in the 2014 class. With today's addition of Booker T. Washington standout corner back Nigel Bethel (formerly Nigel Patten), Miami has amassed a huge early class, and to top it off, the majority of the players are from right in their backyard.

Remember last year, when about this time, Miami had around 4 or 5 commitments, and maybe one of them was from South Florida? Remember how fans, media, and anyone else who decided they wanted a voice were busy chastising Golden for not grabbing backyard kids?

Feel free to let me know how that crow tastes.

More: Check out Nigel Bethel's Hudl Highlights Here

Bethel has held a Miami offer since February, and since then, has visited numerous times. He was being courted by plenty of other schools, including FSU, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Although he chose to commit today, he has been very open about wanting to take his official visits and check out other schools. While some folks would be apprehensive about this, the staff must feel pretty good about their chances of having him stick to his word. Every year there are kids who commit, but use the 5 officials they are allowed as vacations. Whether or not that is Nigel's plan remains to be seen.


Bethel is a consensus 3 star corner back, standing 5'9" and checking in at 175 pounds. He has seen his stock rise as of late, and seems poised to have a standout senior campaign. He's a dual sport athlete, running track when he is not on the football field. He has great speed, quick feet, and shows a bit of a nose for the ball. His senior year will show whether or not he earns any more stars, but my guess is that he will.

He, assuming he sticks, will have a great shot of coming in and starting for Miami in his first year. The depth at corner isn't great as it is, and the coaches are looking to improve that with this class. Bethel joins Ryan Mayes and Dennis Turner as the current CB's in this class.

WELCOME TO THE U, NIGEL!