2018 Defensive back recruiting rundown pt.2

In South Florida, the 2018 class is absolutely loaded at defensive back. It just happens to be one of the Hurricanes’ biggest needs going forward. In all honesty they could probably use some of these 2018 commits for next season.

Miami’s secondary depth is a major concern heading into spring. It’s to the point where Miami could very well be starting a freshman or two when the 2017 season kicks off.

Miami’s 2018 class currently has five or six defensive back commits, depending on what side of the ball you think 3-star Jalen Patterson plays on at the next level. As it is still early in the recruiting process, there are reasons to believe that two or three of the current commits will not be signing with Miami come February 2018.

Regardless, let’s take a look at Miami’s commits and targets. This will be a series of articles until each commit/target is covered.

• Legacy cornerback Al Blades Jr. has been on the recruiting radar since committing to Miami back in 2015. Although he has since decommitted, he definitely seems eager to continue that Blades tradition that has been coming through Miami since the 1980s. Blades has yet to publicly commit to Miami again, but that has not stopped him in recruiting other players to The U.

• The West Palm Beach safety Gurvan Hall has been pegged to go to Miami for quite some time now, but he has yet to pull the trigger on a commitment. Hall currently plays both sides of the ball, but his potential seems to be higher on the defensive side of the ball. It will be interesting to see when he commits, as Miami’s class seems to be filling up. Although one has to believe that the ‘Canes would have spot for him regardless when he decides to make his decision known.

• Carol City standout safety Randy Russell committed to Miami back in February. His commitment came as somewhat of a surprise, but his time on campus made the all the difference in the world. The defender brings a tenacity to the game that Miami’s coaches really appreciate. His ability to hit hard has Miami fans excited, take a look for yourself.

• Asante Samuel Jr. recently released his Top 5 Schools and Miami was included in that group. He also announced that he would be committing some point during the summer. The ‘Canes are recruiting him, but he may already be sold on playing for Florida State. It will be interesting to see how his recruitment develops from here on out.