Miami Hurricanes Recruiting: Class of 2018 Superlatives

The Canes locked up a top 10 class last week on the back of a strong early signing period. Before we take a glance ahead at the class of 2019, we’ll take one last look at Storm18 in the form of class superlatives.

Most Important

With the depth issues created by RJ McIntosh and Kendrick Norton’s early departures, it was absolutely imperative that DT Nesta Silvera signed with the Canes last week. One of the most disruptive interior defenders, Silvera’s brute strength is a nightmare when paired with his quickness off the snap. He’s cut some bad weight and was outright pushing guys around at times in the U.S Army All-American Bowl. A 4-star and #2 DT in the nation, Silvera instantly upgrades what was a bleak DT situation and will immediately compete for a role on the 2-deep in 2018. He was an absolute necessity, while some other down the stretch were relative luxuries if we’re being honest. It’s just another cherry on top that Silvera’s commitment came from American Heritage, a place where the Canes have struggled in recent years and hope to continue to rebuild relations.

Most Likely to Succeed

RB Lorenzo Lingard is Miami’s top rated recruit and also the most likely to make an impact with the Hurricanes. Lingard had a monster senior season at University High, and looks to follow that up with a dynamite spring ball performance in his first taste of college competition as an early enrollee. He’s demonstrated why he’s such a tantalizing prospect, displaying his exciting blend of speed and power both inside and outside the tackles both in numerous camps and during his senior year. On top of that, highly-ranked running backs traditionally have a lower bust-rate compared to other positions. At a well-built 6’0” 195 pounds, Lingard will likely start as UM’s RB3 to begin 2018, but don’t be surprised if he’s taken over the backfield by the end of the season. He’s the Canes’ most likely “3-and-out” player in this class.

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Best Gift to Unwrap in 3 Years

A late bloomer and deep sleeper, DT Jordan Miller went largely unnoticed and unloved by the recruiting services most of the cycle. That was until he started receiving a flurry of Power 5 offers in late January within a few days time after his senior film started to circulate. Tennessee, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia Tech all tried to hop on the Miller bandwagon, but he signed with Mark Richt and Miami instead. At 6’4” 340 pounds, Miller attended a small HS for 3 seasons and attended no camps, which helped to mask the surprising quickness and strength that pops off his tape. Even though Miller is extremely raw, a few years with the best DL coach in America in coach Kool should be just what the doctor ordered here to unleash Miller’s vast potential. The Canes got themselves a steal.

Strongest Man

While Silvera and Miller were considered, OG Cleveland Reed edged out the two, plus Miami’s other offensive line signees, for the brawniest player in Storm18. While not quite Navaughn Donaldson-size from last year’s class, at 6’3” 330 pounds, Reed is a roadgrader that uses his body weight effectively to push defensive lineman around with ease. The 4-star guard from Fort Meade made an appearance in the Under Armour All-America game this season and plans to work on his technique with OL coach Stacy Searels to help get him onto the two deep in 2018.

Fastest Speedster

While he may be considered a project, nobody on earth is doubting CB Nigel Bethel’s pure speed. Originally a track standout that routinely clocks in a 4.3 40, that quickness has translated nicely to the football field for Bethel. He has run 10.78 in the 100, 21.57 in the 200, and was the anchor on Northwestern’s championship 4x100 relay team in track competitions. On the gridiron, Bethel was utilized as a weapon at both receiver and corner for Miami Northwestern and Bethel will hope his ability to fly will earn him a role on special teams early on. As a corner, he shows necessary hip flip and foot quickness to recover from mistakes in press coverage. Bethel also features closing burst and takes playmaking angles to the throw. While he’s still learning the finer points of the corner position, it’s clear Bethel has incredible upside if coached up right.