Why Miami Had a Monster National Signing Day

The Miami Hurricanes have added two new players to their recruiting class today: 5-star cornerback Tracy Howard and 3-star defensive tackle DeQuan Ivery give Al Golden's recruiting haul a formidable boost.

The Hurricanes are trying to rise to the top of an average ACC. Their recruiting class should push this team in spring practice, and several new faces are talented enough to earn playing time from the get-go.

The headliner is Howard. He is a lockdown presence on the outside, and can play on an island. This will free up Miami's other defensive players to make plays elsewhere. 

Golden has put a major emphasis on infusing talent back into the Miami program. So far, he has done an excellent job this offseason with more potential commitments to come.

Here is a look at Miami's current headliners...

DeQuan Ivery

Miami picked up a commitment from 3-star space-eater DeQuan Ivery earlier today. The Florida product switched his verbal commitment from Louisville to the Hurricanes.

Ivery will, more than likely, not see much time this coming season. However, he has the frame to compete for playing time later in his career.

Al Golden could decide to redshirt Ivery to allow him to mature and learn Miami's defensive schemes.

Ivery's prestige aside, it is always important to lock down talent within your own state. Miami did just that by bringing Ivery to town for next season.

Tracy Howard

Tracy Howard's surprise commitment to Miami gave the Hurrricane's 2012 recruiting class a colossal boost.

Howard is a 5-star cornerback, and has the potential to start from day one for Al Golden's Hurricanes.

He has elite cover skills. His fluid hips and great lateral quickness allow him to shadow receivers as if he is the one running their routes.

Howard is not a stout tackler in run support, but he will improve as he matures.

Whether he becomes a hard hitter or not, Howard is a superb playmaker. He will grab people's attention very early on as he locks down ACC receivers.

Prior Commitments

Miami also received National Letters of Intent from players committed prior to today's festivities.

The headliner of the bunch is running back Duke Johnson. Johnson has great acceleration, and will give you one chance to underestimate his smaller frame. After that, he punishes defenders more than expected.

Johnson has been a Hurricane commitment since 2010.

The Hurricanes also have several quality commitments on the defensive side of the ball. Four-star outside linebacker Raphael Kirby and 4-star defensive ends Jelani Hamilton and Tyriq McCord will infuse talent in Miami's front seven.

Four-star safety Deon Bush will provide a solid secondary mate for Tracy Howard.

Offensively, the Hurricanes added 4-star offensive tackle Ereck Flowers and 4-star wide receiver Angelo Jean-Louis. Both will contribute in Hurricane uniforms. Maybe not this year, but their day will come.