Darius Hamilton Down to Miami and Rutgers: Predicting Where He Lands

Darius Hamilton is one of the elite defensive linemen in the 2012 class who is taking his decision down to the wire before signing day. The stud defensive lineman will announce his decision tonight on MSG Varsity with Mike Quick according to Scout.com. Hamilton is from Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J.

Hamilton has taken official visits to four schools throughout the process—California, Florida, Miami (Fla.) and Rutgers. At this point, according to his coach Greg Toal, “He’s down to two, Miami (Fla.) and Rutgers.”

With only two schools remaining, let’s take a look at what the Hurricanes and Scarlet Knights have to offer and where Hamilton is likely to end up once he announces his destination tonight. 

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Why Miami (Fla.)?

The Hurricanes have done an amazing job on the recruiting trail this season, snagging some of the country’s top prospects and looking to close strong with a few others as signing day draws to a close. Darius Hamilton is one of the biggest names left on the Miami (Fla.) board.

The Hurricanes currently have 32 commitments for the 2012 class, which could cause some issues when looking to continue to add recruits to the mix. Al Golden has done a great job so far, adding quality talent and squelching the doom and gloom rumors surrounding the Nevin Shapiro investigation.

The Hurricanes return a wealth of talent on the defensive line for the 2012 season, but lack of playing time should not be a factor for Hamilton. He is fast and aggressive off the ball, and Miami loves to use multiple line rotations to keep their defense fresh.

He fits the mold of the Miami defensive lineman—quick enough to play inside and outside. The Hurricanes have a lot to offer, but it is also a long distance from his home in New Jersey. 

Why Rutgers?

Playing for the hometown team has a certain allure to it. Becoming a legend where you grew up is something many athletes dream of. Look at Kevin O’Shea on Little Giants—he got a water tower; imagine what Darius Hamilton could get in his honor if he stars for the Scarlet Knights.

Hamilton could make an instant impact at Rutgers—two of their starting defensive linemen graduated after this season—but starting on the defensive line is a tough nut to crack. His best shot would be on the outside at end.

Rutgers' biggest draw is the hometown scenario that it provides for Hamilton, but the recent departure of head coach Greg Schiano to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can’t help things for the Scarlet Knights. If Hamilton chose to stay home, he could be a four-year starter.

Does Another School Still Have a Shot?

Hamilton has taken official visits to Florida, California, Miami (Fla.) and Rutgers. His last two visits were to Rutgers and Miami. As reported by Scout.com, he is now down to two schools. Only a few weeks ago, Florida, Cal and Rutgers were his leaders, according to this January 3 article from Gator Nation, the ESPN.com Florida recruiting affiliate.

Hamilton has a load of offers and will be one of the elite pass rushers to come from the 2012 class. To assume there may not be a change of heart is silly. In recruiting, things change by the minute. Look for Hamilton to stick with Miami or Rutgers, but you never know. Recruits like to mix it up from time to time. 

Prediction

Looking at the skill set that Hamilton possesses, he shows the ability to play both inside and outside of the defensive line in the future. Depending on where he lands, he could see time at both positions. He is aggressive enough at the point of attack to control the line but is nimble enough to beat an offensive tackle around the edge.

Look for Hamilton to make a decision based on not only geography but system fit. At Miami (Fla.) he would likely do big things. The thing that may shy him away from Miami is the current level of talent on the roster and the number of commitments that are currently in the fold. Of course, the Hurricanes would find a spot for Hamilton, I am sure.

Rutgers' best chance is that it is the local school. With the loss of Schiano, however, it doesn’t look too good for the Scarlet Knights. Don’t be surprised if he travels to Florida for college and announces that decision tonight.

Prediction: Miami (Fla.)