Paradise Camp Recap

Paradise camp was a resounding success. Again. With Manny Diaz at the helm this year, campers were ears open and eyes up, longing for the chance to perform at their best in front of the hottest coaching staff in college football. Several of them did just that and landed a coveted offer from the University of Miami. Meanwhile, others are pledging their commitment to the staff as multiple prospects have publicly committed to shut it down just hours after wrapping up camp.

The stars were out last night on and off the field. With NFL Hall of Fame inductees, Super Bowl champions, and Heisman trophy winner’s in tow, Manny threw caution to the wind this year and changed the format of the camp to emphasize competition all evening. No height or weights were taken as the only measurable that mattered once the ball was in the air was which dog came out to play. This is The New Miami. #TNM

Michael Irvin a.k.a The Playmaker, started the evening off with his unique passion for the U. There is so much to cover, but I’ll rather you hear it from the G.O.A.T. himself.

There were several notable recruits in attendance, but none more visible than the 6-foot-7 5 star tight end Darnell Washington.

The kid is massive, and made current and former NFL Tight Ends look small.

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He is a prospect to watch as he is expected to commit after the season, and is top target for UM. Expect his recruitment to go down to the wire as no team will stop pursuing him until he is signed.

Washington worked well with another high profile recruit, Tyler Van Dyke, a 2020 Quarterback commit from Connecticut that is working to enroll early. Van Dyke, an ambassador for Miami’s 2020 class, pledged to continue recruiting Washington and is expected to see him again next week. He targeted Washington early and often showing great arm strength and touch on his passes.

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Van Dyke also showed synergy with a Miami commit, slot receiver Xavier Restrepo, who was making plays as usual during the camp.

The individual coaching drills and one-on-one matchups were split and the Tight Ends, Running Backs, and Linebackers headed outdoors to work individual drills. Here is some of the action from that session:

The Lineman, Defensive Backs and Wide Receivers stayed inside the IPF and worked out with current and former UM players and coaches.

The evening concluded with fastest man inside the IPF, and the eventual winner was Avantae Williams. Lorenzo Lingard shared his insight on the matter afterwards.

Overall, another excellent camp experience was had at the University of Miami. Recruits, parents, family, friends, fans, and coaches left feeling the aura of The New Miami and took to social media to express their experience.

The aftermath will tell the tale of the success of these types of events, but the sheer amount of planning and effort being put forth by the staff is worth noting. They want the city and the fanbase to support them, but to give them the room needed to do their jobs properly.

Even when kids decommit, they still have the interest and respect to come to campus and compete when asked too. Such was the case for 5 star Defensive Lineman Donell Harris who watched the competition with his father on hand, and 4 star Safety Ladarius Tennison who competed and had a very good evening.

In a couple of short months this will be a distant memory for most, but for those who gained the confidence that they can compete with the best this is just the beginning.

Welcome to The New Miami! #TNM

How did the outcome compare to your expectations? Let me know in the comments below.