Canes get commitment Tuesday night ... or not

The world of recruiting never ceases to provide something unforeseen.

On Tuesday night, it appeared the Miami Hurricanes had picked up a commitment in their 2018 recruiting class only to have the player go back on that commitment moments later.

It started with coordinator of on-campus recruiting Jorge Baez and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans announcing an addition to the class. Scout.com's Corey Bender reported in a tweet that has since been deleted that the commitment came from Seffner Armwood 6-4 wide receiver Warren Thompson, which was accurate -- only the news changed shortly thereafter.

🔥🔥THE BLOCK IS HOT🔥🔥
🚨🙌🏽☀️🌴☀️🌴🙌🏽🚨
WE JUST GOT BETTER, 🏃🏽💨💨🔌🔑#WELCOME2THE[]_[] #STORM18 #WRU pic.twitter.com/hgEtaGM53S

— Jorge Baez (@Coach_Baez) March 30, 2016

It's A Great Night To Be A Cane!!!! #WRU #Donk #Ridin pic.twitter.com/h4SisPGGrp

— Ron Dugans (@r81dugans) March 30, 2016

Thompson later released a statement on Twitter saying he was indeed not committing at this time and apologized for misleading fans with his short-lived commitment.

"I am not committed to the U but I feel as If I rushed my decision but need to think more with family and coaches I'm not committing any time soon," he said in his tweet.

I apologize to miss lead all of the Miami fans and coaches I feel as If I rushed my judgement pic.twitter.com/Y1VJKHw4P0

— warren thompson5️⃣ (@pagnotti5) March 30, 2016

A report on CaneSport.com delved deeper into the matter and quoted his mother, Theresa Thompson, saying Warren will wait as he has a lot of time left before he has to decide. Both acknowledged in the report that UM is Warren's top choice, which is evident in how he was ready to commit Tuesday night.

All in all, while fans may have been teased with the thought of a commitment, it's still an encouraging sign that this talented receiver (as you can see in the highlights below) is so high on the Canes early in his recruitment.

Twitter: @DavidFurones90

Canes surging for Jeudy; Tigner likes UF, Auburn

Jerry Jeudy at The Opening Miami on Sunday, March 6, 2016. Photo: David Furones.

Deerfield Beach will once again have one of the most formidable wide receiver tandems in South Florida with four-star Under-Armour All-American Jerry Jeudy and three-star Lavarus Tigner.

Jeudy (6-1, 180 pounds) told the Miami Herald at The Opening Miami Regional on Sunday (where he qualified for The Opening in Oregon) "all my top is equal."

But Bud Elliott of SB Nation and Peter Ariz of CanesInsight have reported that it's Alabama and Miami at the top for Jeudy, who also noted to Zach Abolverdi of SEC Country that he doesn't have a leader (when previously listing the Crimson Tide as his favorite) and "all of the schools are equal right now."

Couple other notes I didn't get time to tweet out.

Alabama then Miami for Jerry Jeudy

FSU then LSU for Daniel Wright.

More tomorrow.

— SB Nation Recruiting (@SBNRecruiting) March 6, 2016

Alabama remains a big factor, but hearing that Miami is in a very positive spot with elite 2017 WR Jerry Jeudy. Must get from SoFla #Canes

— Peter Ariz (@PeterAriz) March 9, 2016

While Jeudy is giving off some mixed signals, one thing that's clear is that UM has boosted itself immensely in recruiting him since the new coaching staff has taken over.

"They have a nice coaching staff," Jeudy said of the Canes. "They moved up a lot. It was just cool [taking an unofficial visit last week]. I like the way the coaches were talking to me. We were just going over what I'd be doing in their offense."

The Hurricanes stand in a much better position with Jeudy now than they did in December when he tweeted out this top 10 that made no mention of them.

‼️Top 10‼️ pic.twitter.com/pqf7Q8yBzo

— JJ⁴ (@jerryjeudy) December 16, 2015

Jeudy feels his speed and ability to get open is what makes him elite. He says his two favorite things to do as a receiver are either to take a screen and go all the way with it or blow the top off a defense with a deep route.

**Tigner (6-0, 180.5) has Florida and Auburn a his top two schools with the Gators in the lead.

"Florida I just feel like is another home. Academic-wise, I like both schools, but I just feel more comfortable at Florida," Tigner says. "If I had [to go with] any other option, I'd go with Auburn."

Also helping UF is that Tigner considers himself good friends with St. Thomas Aquinas quarterback and Gators commit Jake Allen.

Last season Tigner wasn't able to be as impactful as he wanted to be playing behind Jeudy and Riley Ridley, now at Georgia. He's excited about what he can do either opposite of Jeudy or alongside him.

"This year is my year," Tigner says. "Two great receivers on the same side of the ball, nobody can [handle] that."

Tigner is a player with the ideal confidence and attitude for a receiver that is bound for success.

"I come out here to prove a point. I'm the best," he says.

He was impressive when seen at the South Florida Express tryouts in late January, winning virtually every one-on-one matchup.

Twitter: @DavidFurones90

Outpour of positive reaction on social media from recruits at UM Junior Day

Despite the decommitment of St. Thomas Aquinas linebacker Tyler Dunning -- one that was a foregone conclusion anyway -- new UM football coach Mark Richt's first Junior Day with the Hurricanes received rave reviews on social media from recruits.

We begin with committed four-star defensive lineman out of Fort Lauderdale Dillard, a former teammate of Dunning's in Jon Ford.

Had A Great Time At The U Today! 🙌🏾

— Up Next!!! (@Ford__1) February 20, 2016

Great Time🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/mTHX7GMmFU

— Up Next!!! (@Ford__1) February 20, 2016

Ford wasn't the only one posing with new defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski on Saturday as he endured quite the photo shoot in front of the big U on campus based on the frequency of tweets from other recruits that took pictures with him.

Below we see Mobile (Alabama) St. Paul's Episcopal defensive lineman Ryan Johnson and Miami Carol City defensive tackle Rashad Colson with the man they call Coach Kool.

🌴Miami is definitely lit so far🔥🌴 #ItsAllAboutTheU 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/tLjWtJxuR6

— Ryan Johnson 4⃣4⃣ (@ryanjohnson_50) February 20, 2016

At The University of Miami🔸🔸#Squad17 🙏#JuniorDay @LetsMeetAtTheQB pic.twitter.com/oRDYP3dKSN

— ⚡Rashad Colson⚡ (@rcolson_51) February 20, 2016

A top priority in four-star outside linebacker/defensive end out of Carol City, De'Andre Wilder, who currently lists UM as his leader, is seen here in this post by Hialeah Champagnat Catholic linebacker Donovan Georges, a 2018 prospect.

Scott Lake Bros never goin away💯🙌🏾🔥 pic.twitter.com/KwXU37KqPR

— D_boy (@d_b0yisland) February 20, 2016

Here we see UF-committed offensive tackle Kadeem Telfort out of Miami Norland (a former UM commit) with Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson quarterback Shabazz Telfort.

We Just In Them Trenches Trying To Find A Way Out 💯 @Otf_Bazzz #Squad17 pic.twitter.com/qd7PrjPBxc

— Kadeem Telfort ® (@Nosackzone___) February 20, 2016

One recruit who is considered a Gator lean in four-star Cocoa athlete Bruce Judson appears to have enjoyed "Miami life" with the family.

Miami life 3️⃣0️⃣5️⃣🔶🔋🙌🏾❗️#Squad17 4️⃣Way🤔🎦 #GoCanes #UM pic.twitter.com/lHuFttqn7k

— Bruce Judson Jr™ (@4way_lilbruce) February 20, 2016

Committed linebacker out of Miami Central, Waynmon Steed, called it "home sweet home."

Home Sweet Home 🙌🏾🌴 pic.twitter.com/ppwvtR7ZKg

— W.Steed 1️⃣ (@TheyEnvyWayne) February 20, 2016

A trio of Brunswick (Georgia) recruits in wide receiver Shawn Smith and offensive linemen D'antne Demery and Jabori Williams had fun throwing up the U.

The U 🌴 pic.twitter.com/RBjC5P0P2d

— Shawn Smith (@_BallToHard) February 20, 2016

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 wit my boys @bigmandemery @williams_jabori pic.twitter.com/B4dCHFEmy0

— Shawn Smith (@_BallToHard) February 20, 2016

More reaction from Mobile (Alabama) Murphy running back Nicholas Sims, 6-6 Neptune Beach Fletcher offensive lineman Cordavien Suggs and Palm Beach Gardens athlete Amari Carter.

Had a great time at #TheU 🙌🏾 w/ @MarkRicht Really enjoyed myself 📗_📙 ! pic.twitter.com/10MIwe7clW

— Nicholas Sims (@IAM_THEGOAT5) February 20, 2016

It was a great experience at the University of Miami Jr Day #TheU #Hurricanes #Squad17

— Cordavien Suggs (@_73era) February 20, 2016

Loved Miami 💯🙌🏿 #Squad17

— AC5️⃣ (@Carter_Fame) February 20, 2016

Under-recruited Champagnat Catholic running back Javier Zuniga, Dade County's leading rusher last season at Miami Sunset, got a chance to check out the U.

Jr Day At The 🙌🏽🏈 #2017 @Coach_Marroquin pic.twitter.com/wvIf0Vgbt8

— Mr.2000 (@LilZuCampaign_) February 20, 2016

Junior Day isn't only for juniors, of course -- you already saw the high-profile Georges. Another key development on Saturday was that 2018 Coral Gables defensive back Gilbert Frierson, who lists numerous other offers from major programs got his hometown scholarship offer.

Blessed to announce I have received an offer from the university of Miami #CaneGang #Storm18 pic.twitter.com/MMFF4Fk5vL

— Gilbert Frierson (@_gbe2) February 20, 2016

Below we see reaction from one prospect who's certain to be a top 2019 recruit in Loganville (Georgia) Grayson outside linebacker Owen Pappoe, who is throwing up the U with co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach Thomas Brown. 

🙌🏽 Ayee Miami @iamthomasbrown #TheU pic.twitter.com/1TrToBYuNE

— Owen Pappoe (@opfreak15) February 20, 2016

Apopka 2018 athlete Steven Billings-Larson Jr., someone with incredible credentials on the field and in the classroom, said he "got to know the entire staff and received encouraging feedback from the coaches." Because he's so ahead academically, he may be able to reclassify to 2017 and would look into it if he gets a UM offer.

Excellent Jr day with the @MiamiHurricanes yesterday. Truly a 1st class organization, led by men of character. 🙏🏽🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/Arv0KwFxST

— #StevenLarsonJr (@smbljr) February 21, 2016

 

Former Miramar coach Damon Cogdell back in South Florida at Carol City

Former Miramar coach Damon Cogdell is coming back to South Florida.

After a two-year stint as co-defensive line coach at West Virginia, Cogdell was named defensive coordinator/assistant head coach at Carol City under coach Aubrey Hill.

It's a homecoming of sorts for Cogdell, who grew up in Opa-Locka but moved when he was in ninth grade and attended Miramar High. While Miramar is in Broward County and Carol City is in Miami-Dade, the two are very close to each other geographically and Cogdell says most of his family members attended Carol City.

"It's going to be a treat for me," Cogdell told the Herald. "It was a home away from home; it was up the street."

Cogdell's contract with the Mountaineers expired on Jan. 30.

"I had some other things that I could've done [at West Virginia], but it was tough for me to be away from my kids," Cogdell said. "It was a great experience for me up at West Virginia -- glad to be back at home with the wife and kids, though."

Cogdell will get the opportunity to coach a talented defense, spearheaded by outside linebacker/defensive end De'Andre Wilder, defensive tackle Rashad Colson and defensive back transfer from American, Naytron Culpepper.

Sources: Flanagan coach Devin Bush could be next to join Michigan

Flanagan coach Devin Bush with son Devin Bush Jr. after announcement to commit to Michigan on Dec. 16, 2015. Photo: Andre C. Fernandez//MIAMI HERALD

Flanagan won its first state championship this past season with three Michigan recruits on the roster.

Now it appears their high school coach may be following them to Ann Arbor.

Multiple sources have told the Miami Herald on Tuesday that Flanagan coach Devin Bush is on the verge of joining the staff at Michigan where three of his Falcons -- son and linebacker Devin Bush Jr. and safeties Devin Gil and Josh Metellus -- have signed. Bush Jr. has already enrolled at Michigan for the spring semester.

Bush, when reached, said he has not been in current communication with the Wolverines but described "hearsay" that there may be a position for him with the team in some capacity.

Flanagan athletic director Al Guzzo told the Herald that there was nothing mentioned to him when he spoke with Bush earlier Tuesday.

"It's all speculative right now and there's nothing concrete," Guzzo said.

Bush joining the Wolverines was rumored all season. In December, Bush said from the Class 8A state championship game that no one has approached him with college job offers in a column by Manny Navarro.

One source said an announcement is expected sometime next week. Both sources said defensive coordinator Stanford Samuels would become Flanagan's next head coach.

Bush is a former Super Bowl winner with the St. Louis Rams and college football national champion with Florida State. He has been head coach at Flanagan for the past three seasons after spending a year as defensive coordinator and played his high school ball at Hialeah-Miami Lakes.

 

 

Dade/Broward decisions to keep an eye on as National Signing Day approaches

Here are some quick hits on the top scenarios to follow as we wind down on the end of the 2016 recruiting cycle. These prospects are either undecided or are committed but have other schools giving them something to think about before National Signing Day.

Brian Burns, American Heritage 5-star DE: The blue-chip prospect, Army All-American and No. 2 overall senior in Broward County (behind Nick Bosa), according to the Miami Herald, will choose between UF, FSU, Georgia and Alabama. FSU is getting the final visit as Burns has seen all four campuses since the recruiting dead period ended (Jan. 15).

Trayvon Mullen, Coconut Creek 4-star CB: The ultra-talented Army All-American from the #CreekBoyz has a final five of FSU, LSU, Clemson, TCU and Louisville. The first three of the five have consistently been atop his list of college choices. He has taken all his visits and will make his decision live on ESPNU at 8:45 a.m. on National Signing Day.

Keyshawn "Pie" Young, Miami High 3-star WR: It's been reported that Louisville, USC and Michigan are Pie's final three heading into Signing Day. The Wolverines have been a favorite of Dade's No. 6-ranked senior for some time now.

Dredrick Snelson, Flanagan 3-star WR: The Under Armour All-American who has won four state championships at three different schools has been a Minnesota commit since before the season, but it's a soft commitment. Snelson will check out Penn State this final weekend and also went to UCF on Jan. 15. 

Rashad Weaver, Cooper City 3-star DE: After getting dropped from Jim Harbaugh's class with Michigan within a week and a half of Signing Day, Weaver has spent the week receiving a whirlwind of recruiting interest and offers. He is taking visits to Pittsburgh and Penn State and has already been to USF and Temple.

Zack Moss, Hallandale 3-star RB: A Utah commit who took his Utes visit the weekend of Jan. 22 takes a trip to Tennessee the weekend before Signing Day. The one-time Hurricane commit will determine if it's enough to sway him from Utah, where Hallandale teammates Tyler Huntley and Demari Simpkins are already enrolled.

Vosean Joseph, Norland 3-star OLB: A UF commit, the Gators got his final official visit (Jan. 22) before he went to Texas for the USA vs. Canada Independence Bowl and Alabama had him grace its campus the previous weekend. He hasn't made his decision final but feels he's likely to stick to his UF commitment when he revisits his recruitment upon his return to Miami on Monday.

CJ McWilliams, Southwest 3-star DB: Another UF commit, he has UM on him heavy, and according to coach Tim Neal, the Jan. 22 visit -- which he took to UM because he had to cancel plans to check out UNC with the snow storm in the Mid-Atlantic -- is giving McWilliams something to think about with regards to potentially staying home with the Hurricanes. The Gators will try to convince him not to back off his May pledge, hosting him on campus the final weekend before Signing Day.

Aaron Thompson, Dillard 3-star DT: He recently committed to Maryland, but South Carolina will get one final shot at swaying him with a weekend visit.

Eric Mitchell, Miami Central 3-star DE/OLB: Recently listed his top three as Louisville, UCF and Colorado to the Miami Herald.

Jerron Rollins, Columbus 3-star WR: Without having taken any other visit, Cincinnati will get a look from the tall, talented Explorers receiver the final weekend before Signing Day. The Bearcats are the favorites to land him over Washington State, Middle Tennessee, FAU and Syracuse if all goes well on the trip.

Freddie Pinder, Southridge 3-star WR: The highly-touted prospect may not sign anywhere on Signing Day and go the junior college route instead. We will see as Wednesday approaches.

Montray Smith, Carol City 3-star WR: The 6-4 Carol City receiver is on a Southern Illinois visit over the weekend.

Jamal Smith, American 3-star DE: Since committing and then decommitting from UCF, Smith says USF and Youngstown State are his top choices. He says he's considering many more schools, so look out for another team to pop up. Pitt was a school he was high on during the season.

Jahcour Pearson, Flanagan 3-star WR: The speedster who had a monster state championship game is choosing between Western Kentucky and Northern Illinois and will announce on Monday.

Harvey Clayton, Coral Reef 3-star DB: Doing a Middle Tennessee State and Illinois combined visit final weekend before Signing Day. Louisville, FIU and Temple also in the mix for former Louisville commit.

Antione Webster, American 3-star DB: Webster is waiting to announce on Signing Day. Massachusetts is a school that's been trending in the recruitment of the long, athletic DB. His other finalists are unknown.

Keelen Roberts, Carol City 3-star DB: Will be visiting Northern Illinois this weekend and is also trying to squeeze in an FIU visit.

Val Mayes, Norland 3-star DB: Likely not to sign on Signing Day as he looks to up his ACT score on Feb. 6. Upon receiving his results, he hopes to follow up on interest from N.C. State, Mississippi State and Illinois.

Ivan Smith, South Dade 2-star RB: Visiting Northern Illinois over the weekend and may commit.

Keldrick Cesar, Edison 3-star OL: Previously had received offers from schools like USF, FIU, Syracuse, Middle Tennessee State and Samford, as well as interest from UM and UF, but he may now be signing with Bethune-Cookman.

Bryce Handy, Gulliver 3-star LB: Will be choosing between Eastern Illinois and UT-Martin. Eastern Kentucky may be making a late push.

Jordan Robinson, Norland 2-star WR: The tall, athletic under-the-radar receiver for the Vikings went to NIU for the weekend after the Huskies went in-home with him earlier in the week.

Deion Jackson, *former* Hallandale 3-star CB: The great unknown. Before the end of the season, Jackson swiftly moved to Jacksonville citing personal reasons and never really said goodbye to anybody at Hallandale. A report since has said he enrolled at Mandarin High while in Jacksonville and was looking to come back to South Florida at South Broward, but South Broward coach Devon Georgia has not heard of such a transpiration. Jackson is no longer on UM commitment lists and we have no idea where he is.

Follow @DavidFurones90 on Twitter for recruiting updates from now through Signing Day.

Did Kirby Smart mistake the name of an early enrollee?

Those who follow recruiting and high school football in South Florida know Deerfield Beach four-star wide receiver Cavin Ridley as -- exactly that -- Cavin Ridley.

So when new Georgia coach Kirby Smart sent out a tweet Tuesday welcoming Ridley to the Bulldogs as he has enrolled early for the spring semester, it rose eyebrows when the image of Ridley photoshopped into a Georgia uniform said "Riley Ridley."

Would like to officially welcome Riley Ridley to our program! Can't wait to see my #Dawg on campus. #CommittedToTheG pic.twitter.com/rcScqNKV1P

— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) January 12, 2016

You can only imagine how many people in the replies to the tweet thought Smart made a huge mistake, but don't worry. He knew what he was doing.

Ridley's middle name is Riley, and among his circles, he often goes by Riley as a way to differentiate himself from older brother Calvin, currently a star freshman receiver with Alabama. Before Ridley transferred to the Bucks, the two brothers played together at Coconut Creek Monarch.

Deerfield Beach coach Jevon Glenn goes as far as saying, "That's what everybody calls him."

Ridley will apparently go by Riley at Georgia, although neither Cavin Ridley nor Riley Ridley shows up on the Bulldogs' official roster as of Wednesday afternoon.

Ridley had an eventful week leading up to his early enrollment. He went from committing to South Carolina after the Under Armour All-America game (Jan. 2) for early enrollment with the Gamecocks to decommitting two days later on Jan. 4 and on Thursday (Jan. 7) flipping his commitment to Georgia.

Sam Bruce on UM's decision on Beard: 'It's going to make a factor'

Sam Bruce after Under Armour All-America Game. Photo by David Furones.

With the turnover on the University of Miami coaching staff in full swing as the program transitions from Al Golden to Mark Richt, St. Thomas Aquinas four-star wide receiver Sam Bruce, a UM commit, was inevitably asked what any decision with wide receivers coach Kevin Beard would make on his recruitment.

"It's going to make a factor," says Bruce, who has been committed to the Hurricanes since July 8, 2014. "There's no guarantee that I would leave the University of Miami, but it'll be something to definitely think about."

Bruce added his insight on what he knows about the situation.

"There's no guarantee that he's leaving," he said. "He still needs to be reevaluated by Coach Richt."

So where does Bruce stand on the Canes with a lot up in the air in the final month before National Signing Day?

"As of now, I am committed to the University of Miami. I am solid, but only time will tell," he says.

Bruce added that the Canes getting the last visit before Signing Day and him already being committed "definitely" makes them the team to beat for his services.

Before the Jan. 29 trip to Coral Gables, Bruce has visits to South Carolina on Jan. 15 and UF on Jan. 22 in the plans. He already visited Ohio State officially in October.

What does he hope to see from the respective schools?

"Just a family-based team, just for them to show me how I can be a premier athlete in their offense, at their school," Bruce said. "University of Miami and Ohio State -- they really stand out because they [each have a strong School of Communication]. That's a big thing for me. I want to major in sports broadcasting."

With the news coming out that Deerfield Beach receiver Cavin Ridley committed to South Carolina on Friday night, it appears that the Gamecocks are beginning to emerge in South Florida under new coach Will Muschamp and defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson.

"I'll give them a shot," Bruce said. "T-Rob, he's been recruiting me since freshman year when he was at Florida. When he went from Florida to Auburn, he didn't change, nothing changed from all the relationship, and then from Auburn to South Carolina and nothing has still changed."

Bruce has had conversations with former high school teammate Jordan Scarlett, now a freshman at UF who flipped from UM before his Signing Day.

With Scarlett playing behind Kelvin Taylor, Bruce said him not getting ideal playing time this season doesn't discourage him at all. He added that the season Antonio Callaway has had proves the Gators play their freshmen.

Bruce addressed the recent reports of him wearing an Ohio State hat earlier in the week at one of the event's practices. He says there was nothing to it other than to match the colors he was already wearing and that it was blown out of proportion.

"I had on black and red. It wasn't even my hat. I took somebody else's hat," Bruce said. "These people on social media, they're ridiculous."

His thoughts on fellow UM commit Dionte Mullins' highlight-reel one-handed touchdown catch?

"It was nasty," Bruce said. "The ball was put in a place where he could make a play and he made the play. That's what the University of Miami is all about."

"Me and Dionte, we go far back... We actually fought for the Little League Heisman in the eighth grade."

Bruce reaffirms UM commitment, more recruiting notes from STA

Tons of recruiting notes and content from St. Thomas Aquinas' state championship victory on Friday night... starting... NOW.

Sam Bruce once again reaffirmed how strong his commitment is to UM. Bruce stuck with the Canes through the Al Golden firing and things remain the same now that Mark Richt was hired.

 

"We had a couple guys decommit, but just how I tell Michael Irvin, 'We're going to build off who we have and what we have,'" Bruce said.

He continued: "Miami's home. Who doesn't want to play at home in front of their home crowd? Who cares that it ain't that many people in the stands? It ain't that many people here [at the Citrus Bowl], but we got the job done, right? As long as we're getting the job done, who cares?"

Bruce also called Mark Richt a "phenomenal hire."

It was special for Bruce to get to share the moment with UM wide receivers coach Kevin Beard, who was in the front row of the stands. Beard coached Bruce when the two were together at University School under current St. Thomas coach Roger Harriott.

Sam Bruce went up to Kevin Beard and they shared a moment. No way @Kevin_Beard9 was missing @_QUICK6 winning title. pic.twitter.com/P3SnhObVwd

— David Furones (@DavidFurones90) December 12, 2015

"That just shows how important I am to him," Bruce said. "He's an important dude to me. He's been a father figure in my life since eighth grade. KB is KB."

Bruce, who caught the Raider's first touchdown in a 45-10 rout, was one of three Hurricane commits to win a state title Friday night.

 

Them #Canes. @_QUICK6 @44_dc_ @M_Irvin17 @STA_Football pic.twitter.com/VxezqvSTkz

— David Furones (@DavidFurones90) December 12, 2015

**Michael Irvin II said he's been waiting to play at UM since the second grade and is excited to finally make it happen.

 

Watch this video interview with Manny Navarro.

 **Trevon Grimes, a 2017 five-star wide receiver, still didn't show his hand in a potential commitment, but he did indicate that Ohio State, Florida and Florida State comprise his top three.

Grimes had several highlight-reel catches in the championship victory.

Grimes said Ohio State is his leader and that UM is still somewhere in the picture and potential for a spark later in his recruitment is there with Bruce talking to him.

 

**Jake Allen remains strong in his commitment to UF.

"I'm just happy to be a Gator," Allen said. "Coach Mac (Jim McElwain) is very happy. I talked to him before the game he just told me to go out there and do what I do every day. Overall, he's very happy with my season. I'm going to talk to him tonight."

Allen addressed how the Gators are recruiting other quarterbacks, including committed 2016 four-star Feleipe Franks from Wakulla (who played earlier Friday in the 5A title game) and Jacob Eason, a five-star recruit from Washington who has been committed to Mark Richt and Georgia since July 2014.

"I don't mind a bit," Allen said. "I love competition. When I came to St. Thomas there was competition, and I would expect it anywhere else I go. I embrace it. It brings out the best in me.

"I'm just gonna do what I do and let everything play out."

**2017 UM commit Tyler Dunning noted that he feels Rich was a great hire for the Canes and that he will meet him soon at a bowl practice.

 

*Herald sportswriters David Furones, Manny Navarro and Bill Daley contributed to this report.

Richt visits linebacker commits Pinckney, Quarterman

With UM linebacker commits Michael Pinckney and Shaq Quarterman good friends, it was only natural that after new coach Mark Richt, along with linebackers coach Hurlie Brown, visited each at their respective schools (Jacksonville Raines and Orange Park Oakleaf, which are about 20 miles from each other), they would all get together.

Once Richt did an in-home visit with Quarterman on the night cap, Pinckney decided it'd be best that for his visit all of them get together for dinner. They enjoyed a meal at Outback Steakhouse.

"It was most convenient," Pinckney said. "Shaq is my dog, so you know we had to link up when the coaches came in town."

The highlight of dinner? Pinckney says it was Richt's sense of humor.

People at the restaurant would walk up and approach Richt. It was like hanging with a celebrity for the two prospects.

"That's Mark Richt," Pinckney says. "A legend in football."

Quarterman enjoyed Richt's company.

"The visit went great," said Quarterman, who also watched Pinckney play in the Class 4A state championship game at the Orlando Citrus Bowl in the stands with Richt on Saturday. "We talked about the future and life and had a great time."

During the day, Richt and Brown visited the two at their respective high schools.

🙌🏿NEW BEGINNINGS🙌🏿 pic.twitter.com/upMZqsenEX

— michaelpinckney (@crazyy__8) December 7, 2015

"He said he loves my film and the way I play and I can do some great things at the U," Pinckney said.

Both Quarterman and Pinckney will visit UM this weekend and are set to enroll early.

Richt also passed by Mandarin High School while on his Jacksonville tour. The Canes have a 2017 linebacker commit in Aundre Ricardo-Kearney from Mandarin.

Thx Coach @MarkRicht for stopping by and checking out our #MustangFootball prospects. #WinTheDay #BePHYSICAL pic.twitter.com/fiVzFOqkNS

— Mandarin Hs Football (@Mandarin_hs_fb) December 7, 2015