Miami Hurricanes News and Notes — Manny Diaz adds a linebacker to his 2020 class

It’s no secret that the Hurricanes desperately need a load of linebackers in their 2020 class. Following the 2019 season, the Hurricanes will lose three linebackers that have started since they stepped foot on campus in 2016 and have combined for 581 tackles, 73 tackles for loss and 24 sacks.

Shaq Quarterman, Mike Pinckney, and Zach McCloud were a part of Mark Richt’s first class at Miami and walked into a situation that allowed them to flourish early and become instant impact players.

Manny Diaz needs to have a haul similar to Richt’s in his first year to meet the standard set by Miami defenses of late. Diaz and his staff took the first step towards solidifying the position moving forward this afternoon when Alvin “AJ” Mathis out of Largo, FL committed to the Hurricanes.

Cam Underwood has the story on his commitment here.

Mathis is the 13th member of the Hurricanes fourth ranked class.

And while Manny Diaz added to his defensive class, he will need to continue to play defense against a plethora of programs looking to snag one of the jewels of his class in WR Bryan Robinson out of Palm Beach Central.

The 6-1 pass catcher received an offer from the University of Alabama Monday, which has naturally worried people.

A south Florida receiver spurning the Canes for Tuscaloosa isn't a new threat. It has been all too real and all too painful. Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, and, most recently, Jerry Jeudy have found great success by leaving the nest and letting Saban take care of the rest (no, I didn't rhyme on purpose but I’m skilled).

Let’s hope that Robinson creates his own path and chooses to be a part of what Diaz and Dan Enos are building here at Miami, but history doesn’t favor the Hurricanes in this situation — assuming Nick Saban presses hard for him going forward.

* Former Miami QB Malik Rosier has been invited to the Miami Dolphins rookie mini camp. I wouldn't bet the house that he's going to make the team, but we always hope for the best for our former Canes. Especially those that beat FSU. Twice.

Thank you, Malik! And good luck in your career going forward.

* Our in-house baseball writer John Reynolds has some Hurricane baseball rankings for you right here:

Canes baseball has won seven games in a row and are 34-14 in their first year under Gino DiMare. They host the 2017 undisputed national champion UCF Knights on Wednesday May 8th at 7:00 p.m. at Alex Rodriguez Park.

That’s all from me today. Good morning and Go Canes!