Nick Menocal got an offer in the mail from the University of Miami two weeks ago. It didn't take him long to cash in on it.
The 6-3, 232-pound Class of 2011 linebacker from Miami Belen Jesuit asked UM coach Randy Shannon Monday afternoon to save a scholarship for him in the school's next signing class, ending what had become a hot heavy recruiting process with a growing number of schools.
"A couple weeks ago I went to UM unofficially and just felt comfortable from the get go," said Menocal, whose mother went to UM. "Today I went back and I spoke to coach Shannon and told him this is where I want to commit. He said 'Welcome to the family.'"
Menocal, who had 17 offers including ones from Virgina, Iowa, and Florida State, recorded 61 tackles last season and helped lead Belen to the Class 3A state championship game. A baseball player most of his life, he didn't begin playing football until the spring of his freshman year at Belen.
His coach Rich Stuart said Menocal is very raw, but has plenty of upside. Menocal was one of the state's highest scorers at the Nike SPARQ camp, which measures overall athleticism. He ran a 4.59 in the 40-yard dash at the Miami Nike Camp earlier this spring and had a 35.5-inch vertical leap. This season, Menocal will play mostly defensive end for Belen, but said UM is recruiting him to play linebacker.
He will come in as one of UM's brightest recruits, boasting a 3.5 GPA. He already scored a 1510 on the SAT exam and is a full qualifier.
UM has six commitments in its 2011 class. Four are from South Florida.
welcome to the family
Posted by: OuTkAsT305 | June 28, 2010 at 07:04 PM
Good pickup
Posted by: Alejandro | June 28, 2010 at 07:16 PM
Manny...Thanks for the update!
Go Canes!!!
Posted by: SOUP | June 28, 2010 at 07:34 PM
Go Wolverines!
is that 1510 out of 1600 or 2400? if it's out of 1600, then he could probably qualify for an academic scholarship, and save the team a football scholarship. is that possible Manny?
Posted by: anthony | June 28, 2010 at 07:43 PM
Welcome, Nicky "Menace"!!!!
Posted by: The Don | June 28, 2010 at 07:45 PM
this man looks like a rock welcome 2 da family nick u are the next ROCK GO UUUUUUUUU
Posted by: junior p | June 28, 2010 at 07:47 PM
Thanks for the news Manny finally something on the U from the Herald. I know you busy with the Marlins but your blog is appreciated.
Posted by: 305 FOOTBALL | June 28, 2010 at 08:10 PM
wow he's a beast .....look out the next ray lewis is here.....
Posted by: Daryel | June 28, 2010 at 08:28 PM
pretty sure he has to take a football scholarship if he dresses for a game. Nelms had to count as a football scholarship even though he was a legit track only athlete to begin his collegiate career.
Posted by: Luis | June 28, 2010 at 08:41 PM
What do you know about this kid Manny?
It's always good to get a local guy.
Posted by: Ronny | June 28, 2010 at 09:11 PM
Its 1510 out of 2400. There is no more out of 1600. Get with it people.
He looks like a beat. OLB or DE. very athletic.
Posted by: jaime | June 28, 2010 at 10:02 PM
Good stuff Manny. U da man. On behalf of Coach Shannon and the Cane nation. I would like to welcome my man Nick to the family.
Posted by: caneNduval | June 28, 2010 at 10:22 PM
Welcome back, Manny
and Welcome, Nick. We look forward to your leadership in the coming years!
Posted by: miggs | June 28, 2010 at 11:00 PM
Nick looks really athletic. Running a 4.59 at that weight is moving.
Welcome to the []_[] young man!
Posted by: miamimike01 | June 28, 2010 at 11:42 PM
smart, fast and talented...what we need...Welcome young man..stay healthy have a great Senior Yr and see you in Jan,,,By the way..in Jan we will be playing for our 6th ring..so just hang out till we get back...GO CANES...
Posted by: nealtrom | June 29, 2010 at 09:12 AM
"Nicky Menace" - I like that! good post "The Don" LOL!
Posted by: ted | June 29, 2010 at 10:14 AM
just cant help to point out the "Guns" on this kid. The good kind unlike UF recruits, LOL
Ok I started it, lol
Posted by: 3.5 gpa nice quality player and person to represent the U | June 29, 2010 at 11:21 AM
It's good to see we finally got a Linebacker with some size but knowing how the U loves D.Ends and smallish Linebackers, he'll end up at D. End.
Posted by: carolina cane | June 29, 2010 at 02:31 PM
Da "U"
Posted by: 87' canes | June 29, 2010 at 06:32 PM
Good get. 6-3 and 230 going into senior year of highschool. Seems to big for LB. Better suited for DE. Still growing. I guess Coach Shannon signing the new contract has been a good sign for recruits. But the 2010 season will be the defining moment for recruiting for the "U". Win ACC, Win ACC championship game, Go to BCS Bowl. No Excuses. Any other outcome in 2010 and reccruits will get weary. GOOOO! CANES!
Posted by: jra | July 01, 2010 at 02:35 PM
Hey Manny, What do you hear about S. Henderson these days? Not that I'm overly excited about him coming to the U anymore. He made his choice and now has to deal with the consequences.
Posted by: Hurricane Randy | July 02, 2010 at 01:50 AM