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The sprint to National Signing Day is almost over. The visits have finished. The calls have been made. And now, we wait and see how the Miami Hurricanes will close Mark Richt's first recruiting class.
That's right guys, it's prediction time. Let's get into it.
NSD Predictions
Here they are.
4-star WR Ahmmon Richards, Wellington, FL: Richards is the #1 target on on the board for Miami right now bar none. He has a longstanding connection to Miami as a one-time commit. Alabama and Auburn have joined this recruitment, but even in spite of that Miami feels confident he'll be in this class. And, I do as well
Prediction: Miami
Verdict: Correct! RICHARDS COMMITTED TO MIAMI ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY!!!
4-star WR Javon Wims, Hinds (MS) CC: Wims is a ready-to-play player at a position of great need. He is originally from South Florida, and that may be a big factor here. Wims has been committed to Georgia, where Mark Richt used to coach, and took his last official visit there. Even in spite of that, I think that playing in his hometown and with a MUCH better QB than anybody on Georgia's roster will be the difference.
Prediction: Miami
Verdict: Wrong. Wims stuck with Georgia.
4-star CB Tyler Byrd, Naples, FL: One of the top rated recruits in this class for Miami, Byrd has been heavily recruited by Tennessee as this cycle has closed. He took his last visit to Knoxville, but I believe that Miami had the upper hand all the way through.
Prediction: sticks with commitment to Miami
Verdict: Wrong. Byrd flipped to Tennessee on Tuesday night. Damnit.
3-star WR Randrecous Davis, Atlanta, GA: a former Georgia commit, Davis was heavily linked with Miami from the moment that Mark Richt was hired. Many thought he would be an early flip to the Canes, but that didn't happen. And, as time has gone on, South Carolina has come into the picture.
Prediction: South Carolina
Verdict: Correct. Davis picked South Carolina on NSD.
4-star CB Shyheim Carter, Kentwood, LA: Carter is a highly coveted player. He's being recruited by Miami, Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss and many more. The LSU visit Carter took recently put his whole recruitment into question, because the Tigers had not previously been involved. Carter has played this close to the vest, but most are predicting the same destination for him.
Prediction: Alabama
Verdict: Correct. Carter picked Bama on NSD.
4-star WR Nate Johnson, Thompson's Station, TN: Record-setting WR from TN is a soft commit to Michigan, but Miami and Notre Dame have moved up in his eyes. He'll choose from these finalists, but the final destination has seemed clear for a couple weeks.
Prediction: Notre Dame
Verdict: Half right. Got it right that Johnson wouldn't be coming to Miami, got the school wrong, tho. Stuck with Michigan.
3-star DT Marcel Southall, Duncaville, TX: DL coach Craig Kuligowski specializes in recruiting TX and the South. Because of that, Southall took a visit to Coral Gables, but Oklahoma and Texas have remained the favorites here throughout this cycle.
Prediction: Oklahoma
Verdict: Half right. Got it right that Southall wasn't coming to Miami, got the school wrong, tho. He picked Texas.
3-star CB CJ McWilliams, Southwest Miami, FL: Miami made a big move late with McWilliams as they look to add depth and talent to the CB position. McWillilams has maintained his commitment to Florida through the duration of his senior year, and I don't see that changing.
Prediction: sticks with commitment to Florida
Verdict: Correct.
3-star CB Henry Miller, Kissimmee, FL: Miller committed to Pittsburgh in December, but Miami showed immediate interest upon Mark Richt's hiring. Miller visited campus on January 22nd with his mother, and the allure of playing at home, as well as the feel of campus and academics, may be enough to sway him.
Prediction: Miami
Verdict: Wrong. Miller signed with Pitt on NSD.
3-star WR Kelvin Harmon, Palmyra, NJ: This former South Carolina commit has good talent as a possession receiver. Harmon has said he's down to Miami and North Carolina State. But, with other higher priority targets at WR, I believe Miami is looking in another direction ahead of this Monday announcement.
Prediction: North Carolina State
Verdict: Spot on. Harmon committed to NCSU on Monday night.
3-star OT Tre Johnson, Orlando, FL: 6'8" 285lb OT recently decommitted from Illinois on the heels of an official visit to Miami. Says Miami and East Carolina are his finalists ahead of a Monday announcement.
Prediction: Miami
Verdict: Correct. Johnson committed to Miami on Monday afternoon.
4-star S Romeo Finley, Niceville, FL: Once thought to be a Georgia Tech lean, this talented player now has GT, Clemson, and Miami all in his top group. Miami was able to get Finley's last OV, and has made him their clear #1 target at this position since DC Manny Diaz was hired. And, sometimes, you just want to be wanted.
Prediction: Miami
Vertict: Correct again. Finley committed to Miami on Tuesday night.
4-star WR Tyler Simmons, Powder Springs, GA: Recent Alabama commit traveled to Coral Gables for his final official visit. Nick Saban was pissed about that, to be sure. However, I don't think there's reason for the Crimson Tide to worry.
Prediction: Alabama
Verdict: Half right. Got it right that he wasn't coming to Miami, but got the school wrong. Simmons flipped to Georgia on NSD.
3-star DT Tyreic Martin, Valley, AL: Was committed to DL coach Craig Kuligowski at Missouri. Took an OV to Miami this weekend. Mark Richt tweeted out a "Welcome to the U" edit featuring Martin's area code, but deleted it. Seems like this is just a matter of time.
Prediction: Miami
Verdict: Right. Martin committed to Miami on Monday morning.
4-star DT Kobe Jones, Starkville, MS: Late visitor who hails from the city in which Mississippi State makes its home. Had previously been connected to new Miami DC Manny Diaz. Would be a nice get, but I don't see it happening.
Prediction: Mississippi State
Verdict: Correct. Jones signed with MissSt on NSD.
That's it. Share your take in the comments below.