QB Recruit A.J. Hairston Planning Multiple Visits
Setting the table for what’s sure to be an eventful couple of months for the Miami Hurricanes recruiting efforts would be the quarterback sweepstakes.
Each year, the national quarterback dominoes fall seemingly earlier and earlier. Regardless of whether Miami takes one or two signal callers, the following quarterback from just over an hour from campus could be a major part of the 2024 recruiting class storyline.
A.J. Hairston, QB, Monarch High School
A.J. Hairston earned his first offer from Miami on March 7, and the 6-foot-3 and 207-pound quarterback took a few minutes to discuss his upcoming visit plans and his timeline for a college decision with All Hurricanes.
“I’m going up to Florida State tomorrow,” Hairston stated when asked about his upcoming trips. He’s not sure if the Noles will offer, but admitted that besides Miami, FSU would be the school he’s in contact with the most.
“They’ve been on me for a little while. On me before Miami, actually. Miami was the first one to pull the trigger (and offer).”
Does Hairston expect the Seminoles to be his next offer?
“I don’t know. We talked to (FSU head coach (Mike) Norvell, he said we’d have a good time up there, so we’ll see.”
The trip to Tallahassee would be the first of many for the Coconut Creek (Fla.) Monarch passer.
“April 1 I’m going to Kentucky. I know that I’m going to Rutgers after that in April. I’m going back to Miami next month.”
When asked to clarify his Miami plans, Hairston provided some interesting details.
“Yeah, I’m going to the spring game but I’m also going to go to one of the practices (at Miami).”
Hairston was offered by Cristobal right when a new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson was also hired. Hairston admitted he has the green light to commit if he wanted to do so.
“I just want to think it over, talk with my parents and coaches, make sure that I’m doing the right thing.”
Hairston also chimed in about meeting the new play caller for the Canes.
“He’s very down to earth. He’s a very down to earth person. He wants the quarterbacks to be the greatest quarterback they can be.”
As for Dawson’s plans for the Miami offense, Hairston gave a few thoughts.
“Of course, he wants to put points on the board. He mainly wants to get the playmakers the ball and let them make plays and score touchdowns.”
Unlike many other air raid offensive schemes of old, Dawson’s version has been more open-minded regarding the quarterback running the football. Hairston also talked a little bit about that.
“Mainly, just like a lot of RPOs (run-pass option). RPOs and mesh concepts.”
Back to the trip up North, Hairston mentioned two more prominent Big 10 programs he planned to check out.
“We’re going to Penn State and Ohio State.”
So, how does the travel schedule look for so many trips?
“We’re going to drive to Kentucky on April 1, and then go to Elite 11 (in Orlando) on April 2. Then, the next week after that, that’s when we’re going to PSU and OSU and Rutgers.”
Talking about a college decision timeline, Hairston has a general idea.
“Hopefully in the spring, offers start to come around more. With more coaches, more colleges coming. Yeah, it should be a decision I should be able to make soon.”
When asked if May to early June was an accurate timeline, Hairston answered with the following.
“Yeah, maybe. Like right after my spring game. May to June, late June maybe.”
Hairston has just begun to build relationships with coaches across the country. Much more will be known about his recruitment in roughly a month to two months. As for his upcoming season, he will be throwing the football to several really talented playmakers.
Rising senior Kevin Powell has been offered by Bowling Green and Akron, and he has some serious athleticism to play slot receiver or cornerback. Two other young receivers that will be sophomores next fall – Jabari Brady and Samari Reed – are good bets to be national recruits.
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