Miami Hurricanes: A Signing Day Preview

With National Signing Day quickly approaching, many Miami Hurricanes fans feel a sense of disappointment with this year's recruiting class. As it currently stands, the class is certainly good by many team's standards, but it doesn't seem to have the same mystique of a Miami Hurricane recruiting class.  

Coming into the main stretch of the recruiting season, it was clear that the 'Canes needed to get some depth mostly on the offensive line. Coach Randy Shannon knew that, and for the most part, accomplished that goal.  

Top commits Malcolm Bunche and Brandon Linder will most definitely add much needed support to an offensive line that struggled mightily at some points this season.

But even though the Hurricanes may have taken care of their main need, the class still lacks in other key areas and Feb. 3rd could prove critical if the 'Canes want to feel good going into next season. Let's take a look at the top five recruits that will have a Miami hat on the table come Wednesday.

Seantrel Henderson- The most highly touted offensive lineman in the country is said to be considering the Hurricanes, Florida Gators, Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Irish of Notre Dame. Sean Henderson, Seantrel's father, has said that the family plans to move with Seantrel to wherever he decides to play his college ball. This certainly bodes well for Miami where, putting it nicely, has some pretty nice weather.  

Still, the 'Canes have major competition from other key players who have had more success in recent years. Head Coach Randy Shannon visited Henderson at his home on Jan. 29th and Seantrel has scheduled a visit to campus this weekend.

Ivan McCartney- One of the premier wide outs in Florida and in the entire country, Ivan McCartney will be deciding between the 'Canes and the West Virginia Mountaineers. McCartney's high school coach graduated from West Virginia and many of his teammates, including his best friend, will be playing for the Mountaineers next year. Will that be enough to pull McCartney from his home state of Florida up to West Virginia? He will also be on campus for an official visit this weekend.

Shon Coleman- This soft Auburn O-Line commit has been rumored to be de-committing from Auburn to either national-champion Alabama or the Hurricanes. Coleman will be visiting the 'Canes this weekend but recently said that he was, "still 100% committed to Auburn."

It seems like Coleman is just trying to get the most out of the recruiting process and contrary to some reports, will be signing with Auburn on Feb. 3rd. It seems likely that the only way the 'Canes land Shon Coleman is if already signed commit Kelvin Cain legally changes his name to Shon Coleman.

Jeffrey Whitaker- A stud defensive tackle out of Georgia, Jeffrey Whitaker seems to be a strong lean towards playing out his college career for the Georgia Bulldogs. But some reports are surfacing that he is thinking very strongly about joining the 'Canes and Auburn.

He received an in-home visit earlier this week from new Defensive Line coach Rick Petri. Whitaker is set to visit campus this weekend and announce his college decision early on Monday at his high school. It is also reported that he has already made his decision, which may not sit well for the Hurricanes.

J.R. "Ego" Ferguson- Ferguson is a very physical defensive end out of prep school.  He has at times been rumored to be a lean towards the 'Canes but took a visit to Florida State last weekend. He will also be visiting this weekend and has some ties with Randy Shannon. His family seems to be pushing Miami hard with him because his father grew up with Randy Shannon. If Ferguson's visit goes well, there is a decent shot that "Ego" is a 'Cane in 2010.

While the 'Canes may have slacked off so far on the recruiting trail in the eyes of many, good visits this weekend could have a huge impact on the viability of the Hurricanes' recruiting season.  

Don't be surprised if Randy Shannon closed with another O-Line talent in Seantrel Henderson and a D-Line stud in J.R. Ferguson.