Recruiting Radar: Wide Receiver targets in 2017

Yesterday, I wrote a piece about how the Miami coaches are using media statements to build a foundation in recruiting. Today, we'll look at the position that was the first to receive the CMR-statement treatment: Wide Receiver.

Commits

4-star Rodney Scott. Scott is a very talented player, and getting his commitment was big for the Hurricanes. He has the ability to come in and compete for PT as a freshman, and he could also help Miami tap into the deep and diverse talent pool that is down at Miami Southridge. Scott is one of the top WRs in South Florida this cycle, so getting him in the boat early is a good thing.

3-star Kevaughn Dingle. Another talented player, Dingle is a dynamic receiver who, like Scott, adds both size and speed at this position. Dingle averaged nearly 30 yards per catch as a junior, playing against some top South Florida competition. Yeah, that's good enough for me.

Targets

4-star Jerry Jeudy. One of the top WR prospects in a loaded class in South Florida, Jeudy is a player who could end up being a star at the collegiate level. He's being pursued by many top programs, but the consensus right now is that this is a Miami vs Alabama recruiting battle. Oh yeah, and he averaged 28.9 yards per catch in 2015 playing in Florida's highest classification: 8A.  I believe that certifies his level of talent quite well.

4-star Jaylen Harris. This Cleveland (OH) native isn't a South Floridian like the previous players listed here, but he's got some serious skills. A well built 6'5" 210lb athlete, Harris has good enough speed and plenty of size to be an impact player at the next level. His route running needs some work, but that's true for all HS WRs. It'll be tough to pry him away from Urban Meyer, but Miami's coaches will stay in this fight to the end.

4-star ATH Deejay Dallas. This Georgia native is a multi-talented player that Mark Richt has been after for more than 2 years. Dallas, who who plays QB and DB in HS, could play RB, WR, or DB at the collegiate level. He would be a nice addition for Miami at WR, the position he's reportedly being recruited to play. Dallas has decent size at 6'0" and very good speed. He's definitely the kind of playmaker that the Canes would love to add to the roster.

3-star ATH Shawn Smith. Another GA native, Smith has the one thing that is lacking from this position group currently: Speed. Like Dallas, he's had a previous connection to Mark Richt from his time at UGA, and Miami is a factor in his recruitment. Smith's current rating is lower than several others' on this list, but I think that changes in the near future. Just watch the first couple plays of the HUDL highlights below. You'll see why I say that pretty quickly.

3-star Evidence Njoku. If you're thinking this is a familiar name, you're right. This Cedar Grove, NJ player is the younger brother of burgeoning superstar TE David Njoku. Like his brother, Evidence has very good height (6'4") but less size. He uses his size well on the field, and has enough speed where it shouldn't be a major detriment to his game. The younger Njoku is in the midst of a 6-day visit to Coral Gables now, and is taking his recruitment slowly. But, if he likes his visit, the Canes could (should?) be in good shape.

4-star Devonta Smith. This Louisiana native was once committed to Georgia when Mark Richt was the coach, so there's your connection. Smith is a talented player, and has an impressive offer list to his credit. Smith is a top 100 player in this class, and boasts good size (6'1") with above average speed. The team to beat for his commitment at current? Alabama (which holds 100% of his commitment predictions on 247Sports' Crystal Ball).

Other prospects on the radar: Emmanuel Greene, Antoine Thompson, Mike Harley, Camron Buckley, probably a couple SoFLA guys, and a national guy or 2.

Deep group needed

I wrote previously that Miami needs to take 4 WRs in this class. Some have argued that number could be as high as 5. Either way, Miami needs to add a bunch of talent at this spot in this class.

Now, with 2 players committed, Dingle and Scott, that means there's 2 to 3 spots open at WR in this class. And, depending on which receivers Miami is able to secure in this class, that group could have a multitude of looks to it.

Let's take a couple looks, shall we? (Editorial choice: I'm including Dingle and Scott in all the groups, since they're currently committed. Yes, I know they could drop. No, I'm not operating as though they will actually drop.)

WR group 1: Dingle, Scott, Deejay Dallas, Jerry Jeudy

WR group 2: Dingle, Scott, Deejay Dallas, Shawn Smith, Evidence Njoku

WR group 3: Dingle, Scott, Evidence Njoku, Jerry Jeudy, Emmanuel Greene

WR group 4: Dingle, Scott, Jerry Jeudy, Devonta Smith, Evidence Njoku

WR group 5: Dingle, Scott, Jaylen Harris, Mike Harley

And I could keep going all day.

Each group of WRs is a different and dynamic group, with size, height, speed, and athleticism. With any collection of 4 or 5 players from the commit and target list, Miami would be in GREAT shape at WR. Adding these kinds of talents on top of the 2016 class ( 4-stars Sam Bruce, JUCO Dayall Harris, Dionte Mullins, and Ahmmon Richards for those who need a refresher) would give Miami the kind of depth and talent at WR that one should reasonably expect.

Now, it's up to CMR and Ron Dugans to go donk ridin' and get this talent on campus.

Game on, gentlemen.

Go Canes