Which 2025 Running Back Recruit Will Miami Sign?
For the class of 2025, will Miami's run of signing top running backs continue?
The Hurricanes are coming off a 2024 class with two talented running backs and the same can be said about the 2023 running backs. Now, will the Canes make it three years in a row with a big-time running back prospect?
Here are the primary UM running back recruits the Canes appear to have a shot with, plus a few dark horses, and their Rivals rankings, as of Feb. 29. After that, personal thoughts about each player and their recruitment.
Girard Pringle, Jr. 5-10 185 Seffner (Fla.) Armwood 3-Star
Pringle is earning offers left and right with the Hurricanes being one of his most recent offers. Tennessee, Washington, Alabama, Georgia Tech, and Georgia are some of his other recent offers. His 2023 season would be why.
In particular, he went for over 300 yards against Venice, a top Florida program, and Pringle's name became even more well-known than it already was.
Pringle is probably the shiftiest runner from this list and also not quite as large. He enjoys "trucking" defenders when running downhill though. He has tremendous feet in tight areas. He's a blast to watch.
Byron Louis 6-1 205 Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage 4-Star
One could argue, Louis is the odds-on favorite to sign with the Hurricanes. He's been a priority for Mario Cristobal and his coaching staff, has visited UM multiple times, and he's from South Florida. From the 2023 and 2024 classes, all four of Miami's running back recruits ended up with Miami after playing prep ball in Broward County. That's where Louis is playing as well.
As a player, Louis can be a three-down running back. He's well known for his hard-charging style. He is not, however, provided enough credit as a pass catcher. Louis is one heck of a prospect.
Jasper Parker 6-0 200 Marrero (La.) Archbishop Shaw 4-Star
A player who is starting to gain more and more attention, Parker's style of play is similar to Louis's, as is his frame. Both break tackles and keep chugging after contact. Perhaps that would be why Parker's recruitment is picking up, including a recent Miami offer.
With LSU already going all-in with fellow New Orleans-area running back Harlem Berry, it's hard to say where Parker will end up. Miami could be a team to watch, especially if the Canes sign two running backs.
Bo Jackson 6-1 205 Cleveland (Ohio) Villa-Angela St. Joseph 4-Star
If Miami signs Jackson, all the way from Cleveland, it would be a coup. He's coveted by Ohio State and it's usually difficult to defeat the Buckeyes for in-state recruits. The downhill running back's junior film is fun to watch and it also makes it easy to see why so many programs desire him on their respective college rosters.
Despite being built like a traditional I-formation tailback, Jackson is quite the receiving threat as well. He's earning attention from college coaches and recruiting services alike.
Akylin Dear 6-0 210 Quitman (Miss.) High School 4-Star
Some people believe that Dear is the best pure running back in the country. His film does not lie and neither did his Under Armour Atlanta performance. He's a player the Canes are playing from behind but are certainly in the mix. It's hard to say exactly where Miami stands, honestly, despite yours truly interviewing him at the UA camp.
As a prospect, he's the real deal. Between the tackles or taking the football to the perimeter, he's a tremendous runner. Dear is an all-around player as well because he can take a short pass and go the distance.
Alvin Henderson 5-10 200 Elba (Ala.) High School 4-Star
After scoring 61 touchdowns as a junior, Henderson told me at Under Armour Atlanta that his 2024 goal is 75 touchdowns. Seems crazy but he just might accomplish that task.
Henderson's recruitment has been crazy for a few years. Auburn, Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Ole Miss, and many other programs want this young man on their respective rosters. He's been to Miami multiple times. Now, can the Hurricanes get over the finish line with Henderson?
Ousmane Kromah 6-2 215 Leesburg (Ga.) Lee County 4-Star
Lee County features Kromah. The tradition-rich prep program takes shots down the field, uses off-tackle runs, and throws traditional screen passes. Kromah is Lee County's offense and he delivers.
Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, Tennessee, Miami, and several other teams have made a run at Kromah at one time or another. It does not appear that Miami is a likely destination, but he's probably the hardest running back recruit to read from this list.
