Miami football: Grading Hurricanes 2021 recruiting class

Grading the Miami football 2021 recruiting class through the early signing period as the Hurricanes try to get all the way back under Manny Diaz.

Prior to a disappointing loss to UNC last week, Miami football is looking as close to back as they have been in a long time. Head coach Manny Diaz has done a good job bringing in talent, but the key was to solidify the future with a strong 2021 recruiting class. And he’s certainly given it his best shot.

Miami was a big player during the early signing period, inking two 5-star prospects to their ledger but also getting some high-end 4-star players who will be critical for the program moving forward if they want to build on their 2020 success.

Let’s dive into the Miami football 2021 recruiting class and hand out a grade for the Canes. Note: All rankings are via the 247 Sports Composite.

Biggest Miami football commit for 2021: Jake Garcia, QB

Yes, the Hurricanes have signed two 5-stars in defensive tackle Leonard Taylor and safety James Williams. But the biggest piece was landing quarterback Jake Garcia. The 4-star prospect is the No. 5 pro-style passer in the class and No. 46 overall player. With D’Eriq King likely gone after this season, Miami needs a transition plan at quarterback, and Garcia offers them an easy option to move to right away and build around.

Strengths, weaknesses of the 2021 Miami football recruiting class

The passing game is going to be in good shape after this 2021 Miami recruiting class. Not only did they land Garcia, but they got three 4-star wide receivers as well and beefed up the offensive line in this group for good measure.

It’s actually a nicely balanced class for Miami, but if there’s one weak area, it’s at linebacker. They recruited three 3-star players, but they all are outside the top-500 overall recruits. Any of those players could develop but that’s also not a certainty, which adds some risk.

Diamond in the rough of the 2021 Miami football class: Chase Smith, ATH

Smith is a 4-star recruit that is barely inside the top 300 overall prospects, but he’s a fascinating position. He’s positionless right now with the potential to play either wide receiver or defensive back, but his tools are glowing. If he gets put into the right role and coached right, Smith could be a game-changer on either side of the ball for the Canes.

Where does Miami football rank in the 2021 recruiting cycle?

Doing exactly what Miami needed, Diaz and his staff have the Hurricanes as the No. 10 recruiting class in the country and the second-best class in the ACC behind only Clemson. That’s a huge win for The U on the recruiting trail.

Miami football recruiting grade: A-

Early signing day was a huge win for the Hurricanes as they landed Garcia and moved into the top 10. This class could be a turning point for Diaz at Miami.

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