Dominoes lining up for Jaelan Phillips to transfer to Miami?

The Miami Hurricanes are working hard on landing everything that falls through the NCAA’s transfer portal.

When Manny Diaz took over for the abruptly retired Mark Richt in late December, he had big aspirations for his new program. It started with him welcoming back the team with some WWE style fun.

Diaz then hit the road, working on bringing in talented players to what he was dubbing “The New Miami” or “TNM” on social media. That is where Diaz has begun separating himself, is on Twitter. It may have aided in landing a potentially program-changing commitment.

The number one overall player from the 2017 class, defensive end/outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips has discussed the possibility of transferring. Phillips’ two seasons at UCLA were muddied by injuries.

A switch to a 3-4 was supposed to help him but he only played in four games in 2018, giving him a redshirt season. There was even talk about him retiring due to a neck injury.

As of Wednesday, Diaz grabbed Phillips’ former teammate, UCLA grad transfer Chigozie Nnoruka. The big defensive tackle will join the team and help out along a defensive line that lost four players to either graduation or the NFL Draft. Nnoruka may aid in the recruitment of Phillips.

There have been some not-so-subtle signs that Phillips is enamored with the Hurricanes as of late. Here he responds to a tweet by Jordan, the tight end from Miami.

He also liked a tweet from the new quarterback, Tate Martell.

Diaz has excelled this offseason at bringing players in. His first order of business after taking the job was bringing back disgruntled receiver Jeff Thomas. Miami’s leading receiver, Thomas was planning on transferring to the University of Illinois.

Instead he reconciled his differences with the program and came back to The U.

Diaz did not stop there. Next up for his conquest was the much discussed transfer portal. This term, started in October 2018, references a list in which student athletes can put their names that allows them to talk to other schools. No school utilized this portal quite like the Miami Hurricanes.

They snagged former Auburn running back Asa Martin. Then came wide receiver K.J. Osborn from Buffalo. Offensive lineman Tommy Kennedy joined the fun formerly of Butler. A former four star recruit joined the team in safety Bubba Bolden.

Bolden’s recruitment and subsequent signing was a big one. He played high school football with Miami tight end Brevin Jordan. The two set out to work on Ohio State transfer Tate Martell. The former top-tier quarterback recruit decided to leave Columbus.

Diaz, helped by Jordan and Bolden secured his commitment. 

Phillips is set to visit Miami this upcoming weekend with the rest of the class likely there to greet him. All signs point to him signing with the Hurricanes. That would be another addition to a massive offseason for Diaz and his staff.

The team may not be done just yet either adding pass rushers. Former Virginia Tech edge rusher Trevon Hill has been hinting about joining Miami since he left the team. He sent a tweet Wednesday that points to that possibility. 

Phillips brings juice off the edge and would be a welcomed addition up front for the former defensive coordinator.  Pairing him with Hill, should they both be immediately eligible should scare the ACC.

Phillips’ neck must be feeling better because he is ready to become a part of  “The New Miami”. Phillips himself is enjoying the term.