Miami Recruiting: LJ McCray, Battling FSU, and More
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The Miami Hurricanes are just over two months from wrapping up their 2024 recruiting class, and the 2025 class is beginning to form as well.
Here’s a breakdown of key recruiting situations for Miami, whether it’s a player the Canes already have in the fold or still trying to land.
IMG Academy Recruiting
I’m heading to Bradenton tonight to watch the Ascenders play, and gain more information about what’s going on between the Hurricanes and top 2024, 2025, and 2026 prospects. Look for some recruiting news via AllHurricanes Facebook, and the X account as well.
Look for an update on Friday about recruits like 5-star defensive tackle David Stone and others.
LJ McCray’s Decision
There’s much discussion about LJ McCray making his college choice. Any one of Auburn, Georgia, Florida, Florida State or Miami could be the landing spot.
Out of all the recruits across the nation this year, that’s not another prospect with more recruiting analysts projecting different outcomes. It’s not surprising either.
After interviewing McCray face-to-face earlier this season, he’s a straight shooter and one that simply did not hold a specific school above the others. Going from insiders at multiple programs, there’s also optimism at more than two schools.
In short, when McCray announces his decision, we shall all know where he’s going. That decision comes on Saturday for the Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland defensive lineman.
Miami Versus Florida State
There are several recruits that each school has currently in its recruiting class. That does not mean that either UM or FSU is giving up on flipping those candidates, among other schools.
For those people old enough to remember the 1980s and 1990s recruiting battles, this feels like that era. That’s especially true for South Florida’s best prospects. The Noles make a concerted effort to bring those recruits to Tallahassee, while the Canes want them to stay home and reside in Coral Gables.
Here are five recruits that will likely see each school again and/or have in-home visits with each school before signing on the dotted line this Dec. 20.
Artavius Jones, Defensive Tackle, Blountstown (Fla.) High School - Miami Commitment
He’s been to FSU since his Miami commitment and is likely heading to the Duke at Florida State game this Saturday. He lives roughly 45 minutes from Tallahassee, so it’s easy for Jones to make the trek to Doak Campbell Stadium.
Miami’s need for defensive tackle talent is priority No. 1, and the Noles are in a similar situation. Going to be an interesting recruitment down the stretch.
Lawayne McCoy, Wide Receiver, Miami (Fla.) Central - FSU Commitment
Not much talk about McCoy of late, but he’s long since been a Hurricanes target despite his pledge to the Seminoles. McCoy is fairly quiet by nature, so that’s not a big surprise that he’s keeping information close to the vest. Based on intel over the past several months prior, if he does not sign with FSU, Miami would be the most likely landing spot.
Jeremiah Smith, Wide Receiver, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna - Ohio State Commitment
The No. 1 player in the land and Buckeyes commitment continues to be true to his word. He let it be known right before the Chaminade-Madonna season began that he would allow each of the three Florida schools to host him this fall – FSU, UM and UF – in an effort to change his mind.
He’s been to see UF and Miami and will see FSU as well. There’s been no indication of which way he’s leaning beyond him taking these trips. Of note, he’s still very active with the Ohio State staff as well. This one is going all the way to National Signing Day. Smith is taking his time and not rushing anything.
MORE: 2024 and 2025 Miami Hurricanes Commitments and Evaluations
Zaquan Patterson, Safety, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna - Miami Commitment
After announcing for UM, he still made a trip to Tallahassee not long afterwards. The Noles are definitely trying to flip the Rivals 5-star. Auburn is another school that probably has an outside shot. In the end, expect UM or FSU barring something unforeseen.
Joshisa Trader, Wide Receiver, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna - Miami Commitment
Prior to committing to Miami, most people around Trader felt FSU to be the likely landing spot. That obviously did not come to fruition. It also does not mean Mike Norvell and his coaching staff will give up. There’s no news about Trader’s visit plans to report. That being the case, Miami is still going to have to battle to keep one of the nation’s best skill players in the fold. That’s the nature of South Florida recruiting.
Can Miami Add Another Big-Time Out of State Prospect?
With Mario Cristobal’s background at Alabama and Oregon, this question should be a resounding yes. Several of his assistants hold good ties to out of state prep programs as well.
Here are two recruits outside of Florida – among others – that Miami could eventually land.
Underclassmen Recruiting
It’s easy to allow the notes and information that comes out via X and Instagram about underclassmen recruits visiting Miami as no big deal. In fact, it is a big deal.
Of course, top prospects like Miami commitment and 5-star defensive lineman Armondo Blount continue to trek to campus to see games and visit with the coaching staff and players.
Miami’s staff is doing a terrific job of continuing to bring in not only Palm Beach, Broward, and Dade County prospects, but targets from across Florida and beyond.
It’s just a general observation, for now, but all of the unofficial visits will pay dividends when the classes of 2025 and 2026 end up signing their letters of intent.
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Fan Nation High school football recruiting analyst covering the state of Florida, as well as across the Southeastern United States and the state of Texas.
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