Prospect Profile: Earl Kulp, Miami Central

Four-star junior cornerback speaks exclusively with SBLive Sports in advance of his visit to Michigan this weekend

MIAMI, FLORIDA – Miami-Dade County is never short on athletes. The latest example is 2024 Earl Kulp out of Miami Central. The 6-foot, 175-pound prospect is a Power-5 talent at cornerback or wide receiver. Kulp has helped the Rockets to a 6-0 start and No. 5 ranking in our latest poll.

The Rockets stormed out of the gate with a huge 20-14 victory over IMG Academy in which Kulp recovered a fumble. It was the Ascenders first loss to an in-state opponent since 2013. The Rockets have not stopped since; outscoring their opponents by a combined 196-33. Part of that is due to the athleticism and range of Kulp; who has been a talent at every stop on his journey.

Miami Central 4-star cornerback Eal Kulp spoke with SBLive Sports after practice on Monday, sharing about his football history and development since joining the Rockets. He will visit Michigan this weekend as the Wolverines face Big 10 rival Penn State, another of his recrutting suitors / Photo by Michael Costeines

“I started playing in Clearwater,” said Kulp. “That’s when I first originally moved down here from Canton, Ohio. I played there for two-three, four years and then I moved to Tampa and played there. Then I moved to Fort Lauderdale and played at St. Thomas Aquinas. And then I found my way here.”

Kulp’s play on the field is one reason why the Rockets have been so dominant. Miami Central is well-positioned to win their fourth straight state championship and ninth overall since 2010. No Florida team has more titles during that period. Its decade of dominance and current dynasty appears to be just beginning.

“I’m big and lengthy,” said Kulp after Monday’s practice. “I’m also fast and physical.”

Like his team, Kulp’s upside is ongoing. The junior prospect has plenty of time to learn and grow his game for the next level. Already, his IQ at both positions should give him an advantage over opposing prospects on either side of the ball.

“Really just being more aggressive at the line with my hands,” said Kulp on areas of improvement. I’ve been working on that. And then just crafting myself.”

As stated, Miami’s Central record of success speaks for itself. The Rockets were back to work Monday after blowing out rival Miami Northwestern. 42-7. It was business as usual for the coaching staff, who along with the players were looking at film before heading out to the practice field.

“They hard on me,” said Kulp. “They push me everyday to get better. They get the best out of me. They know what to do; they know what it takes to get guys to the next level.”

So far, the hard work has paid off. Kulp is listed as a 4-star recruit and 36th overall prospect in his class in the state of Florida. He holds offers from Colorado, Georgia Tech, Miami, Michigan, Marshall, Maryland, Missouri, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina and Eastern Kentucky.  The Wolverines will be the latest team to see Kulp when he takes a visit to Ann Arbor this weekend. Michigan has a big-time conference matchup against another of Kulp’s offers in Penn State.

I will be at the University of Michigan on Saturday. 〽️ @UMichFootball #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/EYpPsVFrSU

— Earl Kulp (@earl_kulp) October 11, 2022

“Michigan, I’ll be out there this week,” said Kulp. “I like them a lot.”