Can Miami Realistically Hold on to No. 1 Recruiting Class for 2016?

No school is off to a faster start in the 2016 recruiting cycle than the Miami Hurricanes.

Al Golden and his staff are already up to 17 commitments in the Hurricanes' 2016 class after landing commitments from 3-star receiver Isaiah Johnson and running back McArthur Bennett on Monday.

Miami’s class is currently far and away the nation’s top-rated class.

But can the ‘Canes stay atop the rankings for the next 11-and-a-half months? 

Undoubtedly, recruiting powers such as Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State and USC are destined to climb the rankings and challenge for the top spot. 

However, the answer to that question primarily depends on a few things—a couple of which are in their control.

Can Miami hold on to the majority of its top-rated commitments, and can it close out strong on a few other highly rated prospects it's been heavily pursuing?

Decommitments plagued Miami’s 2015 class after Golden and his staff got off to another fast start at this time a year ago.

There’s already one early commitment who admits that he’s wavering in his pledge.

Amir Rasul, a 3-star running back who committed to Miami in late January, is keeping his options open to other schools, according to David Lake of InsideTheU.

“I would say my commitment to Miami is not strong,” Rasul told Lake. “I would say it is medium because I still have my options open. I am waiting for more offers to come in.”

Another pair of Hurricane commits in 4-star receiver Sam Bruce and 4-star linebacker Shaquille Quarterman are also being pursued by other powerhouse programs, and both appear to at least be listening to overtures from other schools.

Bruce told Ryan Bartow of 247Sports recently that his recruitment is “going to go the whole way.” Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Ohio State and Oregon are among the schools that are after the nation’s No. 4 receiver and the No. 38 player overall in the 2016 cycle.

New Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is pursuing Quarterman, and according to Clint Brewster of Wolverine247, the nation’s No. 3 inside linebacker prospect is interested and may take a trip to Ann Arbor in the summer.

On the flip side, one of the Hurricanes' highest-rated 2016 pledges—4-star receiver Dionte Mullins—remains firm in his commitment despite schools such as Alabama coming after him, according to Bartow.

The ‘Canes have to hold on to that trio of studs, who are currently the anchors of their class. What would help their 2016 group have staying power is adding another batch of potential difference-makers to round out the class.

That means landing players such as 5-star defensive end Shavar Manuel, who is the top prospect in the Sunshine State and the nation’s top pass-rushing prospect.

According to Josh Newberg of Noles247, Manuel admits he grew up a fan of the Hurricanes.

"Miami is the school. I've always been a Miami fan since I was a youngin' back in elementary school," Manuel told Newberg. "When I talked to coach [Larry] Scott and he offered I was speechless."

Additionally, the ‘Canes have touted prospects such as 4-star defensive end Patrick Bethel and 4-star receiver Freddie Pinder, who appear to be heavily interested in heading to Coral Gables for their college careers.

What could prove to be the biggest help to the Hurricanes' recruiting efforts is a strong showing on the field in 2015.

Regardless, Miami has an opportunity to land one of the nation’s premier classes in the 2016 cycle. It’s up to Golden and his staff to maintain the program’s current momentum and seal the deal on signing day next February.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.