How Much Momentum Can The Miami Hurricanes Build In Recruiting After Landing JoJo Trader? | Donno Mailbag
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Q: Hey Donno can we finally get some momentum rolling after landing Trader? -Henry in Hollywood
A: This is precisely why I am so glad Joshisa Trader decided to announce his commitment in July rather than waiting until national signing day in December.
Yes, Miami will have to keep battling other contenders until he signs on the dotted line, but landing an elite player like JoJo can do wonders for impressing other recruits. Miami found serious momentum after landing a verbal from 5-Star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa a year ago.
The Hurricanes are very much alive in the recruitment of 5-Star safety Zaquan Patterson (Trader's Chaminade teammate) and 5-Star defensive lineman Kamarion Franklin. Perhaps Trader is the first heavy domino to fall.
I love Trader's work ethic and I expect him to put plenty of energy into recruiting other blue-chippers to join him at The U. In fact, there's already growing buzz that Miami might add to their 2024 class over this coming weekend.
Those within Miami's fanbase who have grown restless with a perceived lack of top end recruits can now breathe a sigh of relief.
I give major credit to new Miami wide receivers coach Kevin Beard. Already in this recruiting cycle he's helped Miami earn pledges from 4-Star WR Chance Robinson and now Trader. Beard is a relentless worker who does an excellent job building relationships with players.
Q: Do we hate Brent Venables now? Why is he throwing shade at Miami?
A: The Oklahoma head coach took a shot at Miami, seemingly out of left field, this week at Big 12 media days.
Asked on an interview on Sirius XM about the Sooners going 6-7, Venables said: "There's lots of ways you can be 6-7, none of its any good. Right? But, had we been, had we gotten blown out by a Middle Tennessee. Had we gotten beat by a Florida State 45-3, the conversation is probably a little different."
Miami's loss to Middle Tennessee is indefensible, but it's funny to hear Venables throw mention of Miami's 45-3 loss to FSU. Did he forget that his Sooners got blown out 49-0 by Texas, their top rivals, in the same season? Pot, meet kettle.
As to why the head coach at OU would throw shots at a team from a different conference and different state, I can make an educated guess here. Oklahoma and Miami have competed head to head in several recruiting battles this cycle, and he's probably still salty about Miami flipping S Kaleb Spencer from his class of 2023.
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