A burner who can accelerate through the hole and away from defenders, Miller plays with elite speed. Has good vision and attacks creases, putting him on top of second-level defenders before they have a chance to read the play. Has a tendency to bounce outside to the perimeter too much, and can outrun defenses at the HS level, but will need to be more disciplined and patient in letting the play develop. Could start immediately--Burke Hayes

Biography:
Lamar Miller is arguably the state's best running back prospect for the '09 class. He carried the ball 165 times for 1,122 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior. He also had four catches for 65 yards. He has a tremendous combination of size and speed; Miller says he can bench 265 pounds and squat 405. He says once at practice he ran a 4.27 forty.

Partial senior (3-0) stats: 40 rushes for 488 yards and seven touchdowns.

Miller: "I have great vision and I see the whole field well. I'm fast too and am a hard runner. I compare myself to Clinton Portis and LaDanian Tomlinson. They can break tackles and get away from guys well and that's what I do.

"But I want to improve on my blocking skills and just work harder in practice."

1/4/09 - Dye Picks The U
Sanford (Fla.) Seminole defensive end Dyron Dye, making his college decision in Orlando at the UnderArmour All-America Game, joined fellow Seminole teammate Ray Ray Armstrong in picking an in-state team.

And Dye picked the Hurricanes just like Armstrong did.

"I'm going to let my mom pick this one," said Dye, as his mom picked the Hurricane hat.

Dye picked the Canes over Florida State, Miami and LSU.

Dye's one of the top defensive ends in this year's class in Florida because of his ability to get upfield and rush the passer. He's an excellent athlete who plays with good balance and does a nice job of getting after the quarterback. He needs to continue working on keeping his motor going every play and making sure he's willing to chase plays on the other side of the field. The kid has a lot of the tools you look for. -- Mike Bakas

Dyron Dye, a superior pass rusher, finished his junior season with 65 tackles, 13 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, five fumbles caused, three blocked field goals, two fumbles recovered and two blocked punts. Dye says he can bench press 315-pounds and squat 465. He claims a a 38-inch vertical jump.

Dye reports a 2.5 core GPA and is taking the SAT on June 7.

Dye: "I'm a leader and motivator on the field. I get everybody going.

"I can rush the quarterback well and always hold my ground on plays. I'm just very physical, but I still want to get stronger and be more dominant on the run and take on double teams better."

Did not qulaify for UM in 2008 and enrolled at Milford Academy.

Excellent drive blocker who can play either guard or tackle. Played his first three years at Edison HS for Corey Bell, now UM's director of football operations. Finished his career playing for the state and national champions. Chose Miami over Louisiana State, South Florida and Ohio State. Coached by Billy Rolle.

Ranked as the No. 4 guard in the nation, the No. 25 player in Florida and the No. 147 player in the nation by Rivals.com. Rated as the No. 14 guard in the country and the No. 43 player in Florida by Scout.com. Ranked as the No. 11 guard by ESPN. Selected to the PrepStar All-Southeast Region team. Named All-State by the Florida Sportswriters Association. Ranked No. 12 on the Miami Herald South Florida Top 25.

8/11/08 - Commited to UM

A converted quarterback, McGee played primarily on the offensive side of the football his first three years in high school. He was moved to defense, where he'll play in college, as a senior. He has a nice combination of size and speed (one of the fastest kids around). He has excellent football instincts and is just a tough kid. He's never really been asked to cover or tackle anyone until this year so he's still working on those. -- Mike Bakas

Talented dual-threat quarterback prospect who threw for 934 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions as a junior. He also added 262 yards on the ground. He'll also play corner as a senior, the position he'll likely play in college.

3/2/08 - After inking 18 local front-line players last month, UM officially started collecting its next group of local stars Sunday when it received an oral commitment from Hialeah American 6-3, 230-pound defensive end Olivier Vernon.

A second-team All-Dade selection last season as a junior, Vernon said he made an unofficial visit to UM last Thursday with his parents and high school coaches and decided this weekend to call new receivers coach Aubrey Hill and give him the good news.

''I had a great visit and I just decided why not go with what my heart is telling me -- that I'm going to end up at UM anyway,'' said Vernon, who debuted as the No. 3 overall recruit in Dade or Broward in The Miami Herald's Pre-Spring 2009 Top 20 list.

``I really like the campus, the small classes. I got a chance to speak with the school president [Donna Shalala] and she told me how important education and winning was to her. Coach Shannon is a great guy too. I feel like it would be an honor to play for him.''

Vernon, who said he grew up a Canes fan, becomes the fourth player to announce his intentions to sign with UM next February.

Last season, Vernon recorded 12 ½ sacks and 52 tackles, including 18 for loss, as junior. American coach Ben Aaerstad said Vernon picked up his first offer from Louisville coaches during last season's spring game and now has more than 20 offers after his junior season -- including ones from Alabama, Auburn, South Carolina and Florida State. Vernon said Miami began recruiting him in January.

Aaerstad compares Vernon to a smaller version of Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor. Olivier, a star soccer player growing up, said didn't play organized football until he came to high school because his mother wouldn't let him. He has started every game since his sophomore season on the varsity and has played defensive end, outside linebacker and middle linebacker.

Vernon, who has a 3.0 GPA, said he told UM coaches when he committed he would still like to take official visits to other schools. Right now, that only includes Alabama.

''He's definitely a great athlete,'' said national recruiting analyst Larry Blustein of MSLCombines.net. ``But the thing I like most about Olivier is he is very smart. He's like a sponge. He's going to be very coachable at the next level.''

4/29/08 - Commited to Miami.

ESPN - Robinson is a productive two-way lineman at the high school level. He is a physical run blocker on offense, but will likely play on the defensive side in college, at least to start off. He has adequate size and displays a good get-off. Is a kid that displays good raw strength and you can see that on offense when he is able to push defenders off the ball. He needs to watch his pad level, but he can be tough to push off the ball versus the run. Will flash the ability to derive power from his hips and can stand a blocker up when he does that, but needs to be more consistent. On both sides of the ball has a tendency to fire out with his head down and get himself overextended. Moves well laterally and has a good motor. Flashes a solid burst to the ball, but needs to work on his angles of pursuit. He is a solid tackler. He can be active with his hands, but needs to be more consistent. He will let blockers get into his chest and can have trouble quickly shedding at times. As a pass rusher he will work to get to a blockers shoulder and can push his way up-field. Needs to keep developing pass rush moves to help separate. Will give good effort and will stay after the quarterback if he is initially blocked. Robinson is a good prospect who displays some good versatility. Needs to keep cleaning up some parts of his game, but displays good ability on both sides of the ball.

Recent entry to and rank 246 on Rivals top 250 list after taking home DL MVP honors at Gainesville Nike Camp 2008.

Talented defensive tackle prospect who was a first team All-Area pick as a junior.

He played up until his sophomore season at John Carroll High before transferring to Westwood for his junior season. He finished the year with 62 tackles and 8 sacks. He also plays on the offensive line.

Displays perhaps the best body control of RBs in the class of '09. Stays square to defense and is always over feet. Often gets hit behind the LOS but rarely gets tackled. Has incredible balance and even better instincts. Lateral movement is excellent and he gets back to full speed quickly. Has unique blend of power and top-end speed--gets tough yards in traffic and doesn't get arm-tackled; outruns angles. Total Package--Burke Hayes

As a junior James rushed for 1,100 yards and had a combined 15 touchdown’s rushing/receiving.

Canes collect Plantation's Jared Wheeler
1/10/09

Jared Wheeler, an offensive lineman from American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.), has decided to play for Miami-Florida over Vanderbilt.

The 295-pound Wheeler was also being recruited by Auburn, Boston College, Florida and Tennessee.

According to ESPN affiliate Web site InsideTheU.com, offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland was the key for Wheeler, who said, "(Stoutland) is a great guy and a great coach."

Evaluation
Wheeler is a compact and powerful offensive tackle that may end up laying guard at the next level of competition. A short lineman at just 6 foot tall, he packs a punch with his three hundred plus pounds. Even though he is going to have to lose weight to compete at a higher caliber of competition, he gives good effort and plays hard. Type of lineman that will bowl you over once locked on. Comes off the ball too high but with some power and good leg drive after contact. Upper body blocker that can be truly devastating if pad level would be lower. Gets off the football very quick for a big man. Has enough agility to get into linebackers face but loses some body control in the openfield. Doesn't run real well so pulling is somewhat of an issue. Will need to be a pass setter from a "two" point stance if playing the tackle position. Gets hands on pass rusher but lacks mobility to handle an athletic defensive end. Doubles as a defensive tackle that is a real fireplug; can't be moved off the line of scrimmage. Uses hands well on defense and uses a good swim technique to rush the quarterback. Has trouble on defense once the ball breaks the off tackle box; just not fleet-of-foot enough. Wheeler has some work to do but shows some very good football skills along with a good motor. If he loses weight and works on his foot quickness, he could be a very solid offensive lineman.

2/19/2008 - A.J. Highsmith, the son of former Hurricanes running back Alonzo Highsmith, told UM coaches Sunday night he wanted to become the first official member of UM's 09 recruiting class. The 6-foot, 188-pound senior at Fort Bend Hightower High in Texas (just outside of Houston) will come to the Hurricanes as a quarterback. But just like his father, who once starred as a linebacker and defensive end at Miami Columbus High before switching to fullback with the Hurricanes, A.J. Highsmith could potentially switch to another position.

                    Passing 
Statistics  PA  PC Pct   Yds  TD Int 
2006 (So.) 170  85 50.0 1,516 18  4 
2007 (Jr.) 293 166 56.7 2,299 21 12 

7/9/08 - Commited to UM

The Canes have landed their 10th commitment in the 2009 class, picking up 6-2, 335-pound lineman Curtis Porter of Charlotte Victory Christian in N.C. Porter called UM coaches last night to give them the good word. He made an unofficial visit to UM earlier this month. Porter is rated an ESPN Top 150 recruit and said he chose the Canes over offers from Florida, Florida State, Michigan and Clemson among others.

1/25/09 - Commited to UM

A defensive end for his Tift County team, Green is a high motor player that gives outstanding effort on every play. He needs to work on his quickness in all aspects from first step to lateral movement to change of direction, but with his effort level, and the proper strength and conditioning, he has the potential to be a productive college player - Scott Kennedy, Scout.com

5/15/2008 - Rivals: The Hurricanes just received a commitment from a 6-foot-5, 233-pounder out of Jacksonville. And you don't want to miss everything he's talking about. What are the chances he will be a tight end vs. an offensive lineman?

Scout.com - Athletic offensive tackle prospect whose coaches believe has the frame to grow into a 285+ tackle in college.

Hurricanes add a sixth commitment
By MANNY NAVARRO
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The University of Miami added a sixth oral commitment to its 2009 football class in Fleming Island High athlete Cory White.

Cory can play either ofensive tackle or tight end, according to Fleming offensive coordinator Derrick Chipoletti, who said White was timed running the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds. White played left tackle last season for the Golden Eagles, a Class 3A team near Jacksonville.

''A lot of mid-major schools like Tulane and Cincinnati had offered Cory,'' Chipoletti said. ``Miami was the first BCS school to pull the trigger on him. He likes the fact Miami was willing to take on a chance on him. Even if he doesn't play tight end, they believe they can put the weight on him and make him a left tackle. He's got the skills to do either.''

Said Fleming offensive line coach Jeff Nettles: ``If I had to describe Cory in one word, it would be explosive. He's got a boxer's mentality.''

7/21/08 - Commited to Miami.

Under Armour All-American Prince Kent crowns Miami-FL
Prince Kent committed to play for the Hurricanes Monday during a press conference, ESPN affiliate InsideTheU.com reports. He said, "I picked Miami because the first time I stepped on campus at Miami, I felt like I was at home."

"Miami has a rich tradition with their football program and all of the former players that still come out. I felt like they are a rebuilding program and a couple years away from a national championship. I like how they are putting players in the right position to go to the next level and I wanted to be a part of that."

Billy Tucker elaborated on the ESPN 150 Watch Lister's decision, "This is a great land for Miami as it is quietly putting together a solid class after coming out of the gates a bit slow following last year's No. 1 overall class. As the great depth of South Florida talent it cashed in on in 2008 is down, plucking Kent out of the state of Georgia is very impressive."

"Kent is a kid we have liked since the early going and have consistently stated he is one of the better defensive backs in the country. The Under Armour All-American is physically gifted as an overall athlete with his supreme blend of size, speed and fluidity. He truly has ideal strong safety size with sough-after coverage technique and speed of a cover corner. His frame and great run support skills will most likely precipitate a move to safety, but we wouldn't be surprised if Randy Shannon gives him a look at corner in some of the Hurricanes' hard, 'Cover 2' underneath schemes with his long arms and superior size on the perimeter." "Excellent height and ball skills may also get him a look at receiver as his offensive talents were hidden a bit last year behind USC signee Brice Butler (Norcross, Ga.)."

The Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide were the other finalists for the highly touted safety prospect.

Newark's Bunche verbally commits to Miami
1/26/09

Newark offensive lineman Malcolm Bunche, who had considered playing football at Rutgers, said tonight he has verbally committed to the University of Miami.

Bunche, 6-6, 322, was a first-team All-State player last season. Bunche had originally committed to Rutgers in August, but re-opened his college search in November.

"It just felt right," Bunche said of Miami, whose campus he visited over the weekend. "I enjoyed my time down there so I thought I might as well commit there."

6/20/2008 - Rivals: This recruit isn't a major name on national recruiting boards. He played for a small school in Georgia before moving to Florida this year. And now he's a Cane.

Scout.com - Talented tight end prospect who moved to Florida from Georgia after the season. He finished his junior season with 13 catches and one touchdown.

9/25/08 - Commited to UM

Reid is just a great football player. He's absolutely dominated small school competition for 4 years and has done it at WR and CB. He has excellent ball skills and that should help him when he plays CB at the next level. He's 6-1 with really good speed and football instincts. He's skinny so he'll need to get stronger and more physical to match up with bigger WR's coming off the line. Flat out, he's a playmaker. -- Mike Bakas

1/4/09 - Armstrong Staying In-State
Sanford (Fla.) Seminole safety Ray Ray Armstrong, amidst a throng of Seminole supporters in Orlando for the UnderArmour All-America Game, picked Miami.

Armstrong chose the Hurricanes over Florida, LSU and Georgia.

"I'm staying in Florida," Armstrong said as he picked the Miami hat off a family member.

The #4-ranked strongside linebacker, Armstrong was the first of three Seminole prospects to commit tonight.

He plays a number of positions at Seminole. Primarily, he's their QB and FS and had an outstanding senior season, leading his team to the Class 6A state championship. Armstrong is a gamer who is very smooth in the secondary, especially for a player his size. He runs well, plays hard, and can play either free or strong safety. -- Mike Bakas

Talented two-way player who had 639 yards passing, three touchdowns, and eight picks as a junior. On defense, he had over 30 tackles and two picks at safety.

2/26/08 - An all region and all state pick after recording 62 tackles, 8.5 sacks and a pick while leading Brophy to the 5A1 state title commited to Miami.

Brophy Prep (Ariz.) High School TE Billy Sanders received a Hurricane scholarship offer last Thursday. And he didn't take long to accept it. Sanders called Cane coaches today and committed.

"I talked to coach (Joe) Pannunzio and (Clint) Hurtt," Sanders said. "I told them they just had a great recruiting class and that I want to be blocking for (fellow 2009 commitment) Bryce Brown."

Sanders played tight end in his first game this season and had three catches for 31 yards and a touchdown. But then, at the request of coaches, he moved to defense. He finished with 70 tackles and 8.5 sacks.

"He's a big, fearless guy," Brophy Prep coach Scooter Molander said. "He has great hands. If he played (full time at tight end) he'd have had 40 catches.

"He's so big and strong, has a big frame and will be able to put on more quality weight. His hands are strong, but he has good dexterity and he's fearless in terms of catching the ball. He'll go up and get it."

Brophy Prep played a spread offense and has won two state titles in the last three years. Sanders was on both championship teams - he moved up to varsity at the end of his freshman season.

Sanders has good bloodlines – his father, Bill Sr., was a tight end on the New York Jets' injured squad for two years in the 1980's.

"Billy's excited to be a Hurricane," Bill Sr. said. "He was also really excited to find out they had a film/cinematography major."

That's right, that's the subject Billy plans to study when he's not on Greentree Practice Field. He does film work at his school and even created a movie that was broadcast over the school's channel – "It was a horror movie and I was the actor/hero," Sanders said.

Sanders has family in Florida, including two aunts. And he visited the campus last year, meeting with Pannunzio.

"I saw the coaches' offices," Sanders said. "Everything was great."

A big Jeremy Shockey fan, Sanders always dreamed of playing for Miami. And now he has that chance. Sanders expects a chance at early playing time because there will be so few tight ends on the roster next season. But he expects competition.

"They'll bring in two or three tight ends in this class," he said. "That's fine. I'm ready for the competition."

Sanders says he was told that Oregon and Nevada will be among schools offering him scholarships. But he says any offer that comes in now will be too late.

"I'm committed, and I'm not taking any other visits," he said. "That's what `committed' means."

12/23/08 - This former prep school five-star standout has now officially committed to Miami after an official visit to UM last weekend.

Former four-star offensive line prospect from St. Thomas, who graduated there in 2007. He signed with Auburn but didn't qualify and went to Hargrave for the 2007 season. He left there and has been working on qualifying to sign for the Class of 2009.

A player who played football for the first time as a senior, he started for the St. Thomas Aquinas 2006 team that finished as the state runnerup.