Will Miami Sign At Least One Big-Time Recruit From Alabama?
Will Miami be able to win at least one big-time recruiting battle in the state of Alabama?
From the Hurricanes' 2024 recruiting class, Miami has two prospects from Alabama with Cole McConathy and Cam Pruitt. No question, Mario Cristobal and his staff want to continue the trend.
From all the states, one could argue that Alabama prep recruits are the most difficult to pry away from State U. In Alabama, there are also two of them, Alabama and Auburn.
That is not swaying Miami from recruiting the state of Alabama. The Canes are contenders for three recruits who would be huge additions to their 2025 recruiting class. Here's where things stand after speaking with each of them.
Alvin Henderson Running Back 5-10 197 Elba (Ala.) High School
One of the most electric running backs in the country, Henderson is coming off a record-setting junior season with 61 touchdowns. He's truly a big-time running back. His recent top-five schools list includes Oregon, Penn State, Miami, Florida State, and Auburn. A decision is also looming.
"I might commit soon," Henderson admitted of his decision timeline. He has a trip set with the Hurricanes.
"I have Miami for the last one, that's it." Henderson is still working on other possible official visit dates. Auburn is considered the team to beat, but Henderson likely takes official visits regardless. He's also visited Miami for two unofficial visits.
Zion Grady Defensive End 6-3 225 Enterprise (Ala.) High School
Once an Alabama commitment, Grady is evaluating several football programs now. Miami is one of those schools.
"I have Miami May 31st," Grady said of his UM official visit plans. Tennessee, Georgia, and Auburn are three more likely official visits and do not discount the Crimson Tide from getting one either.
Of the three Alabama recruits included in this article, Grady is the one prospect who could go to several different schools. He speaks highly of Auburn, Georgia, Miami, etc.
Miami is recruiting him hard, like his teammate below, and the Canes are certainly in the mix.
Eric Winters Hybrid Safety 6-2 200 Enterprise (Ala.) High School
"Miami the 30th," Winters said of his March unofficial visit plans with the Hurricanes. The Canes are making a strong effort to win over the do-it-all defender from Southern Alabama. It will not be easy.
Winters is long since been considered likely to end up at Auburn or Georgia. Coming off of his most recent trip to visit the Tigers, he's still high on what's going on there.
Georgia consistently recruits the state of Alabama well. The Dawgs are certainly a threat and Winters is comfortable with their coaching staff. Winters will also be making the trek to Athens, Ga. this week for an unofficial visit.
So why does UM have a shot to pull the recruiting upset?
"They've been recruiting me for real. They sent three coaches to see me play basketball. Mario Cristobal came to my school."