Miami Football: Latest Summer News and Recruiting Updates

Miami remains in the middle of a scandal, but the program does not appear to be hurting in the recruiting process. In 2012, the Hurricanes picked up a ridiculous 33 recruits, including potential stars in running back Duke Johnson and cornerback Tracy Howard.

Miami got off to a slow start with the class of 2013, and has landed just eight recruits so far. Having said that, four of them were highly-recruited players. If we know anything about Miami, it's that the players will continue to line up out the door to become a Hurricane.

As we approach the month of July, here are some of the latest updates on some of the Miami Hurricanes' top recruits in 2013.

Travis Johnson Commits to the U

Travis Johnson isn't going to blow you away with his speed, but at 6'2", he has a wide body that is a matchup nightmare for smaller defensive backs. He also has terrific ball skills, catches everything in sight and runs solid routes. He is one of the more sure-handed players in this entire class.

Despite having offers from schools such as Notre Dame, Ohio State and Oklahoma, among others, Johnson chose to stay close to home and fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a Hurricane, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

He has the potential to play wide receiver or tight end, but some believe he may lineup as a running back as well.

Miami Still in the Running for Jayron Kearse

Jayron Kearse has already been committed to both Auburn and Miami before decommitting from both.

Luckily for the Hurricanes, they are a program that the 4-star athlete is still considering.

Kearse is the son of former All-Pro NFL player Javon Kearse. He plays the game with a high motor and has the ability to play several different positions on the football field.

Per Scout.com, schools he is still considering include Miami, Auburn, Clemson, USC and Notre Dame. He will visit Auburn and Notre Dame this summer, as well as attend camp at USC, according to NaplesNews.com (via AuburnSports.com).

Pushing Hard for Artie Burns

As you can see in the video, Artie Burns is more than a football player. He is also a track star, who has blazing speed.

Burns is one of the top cornerbacks in this year's class. At 6'1" and 190 pounds, he has the size to match that speed.

He has offers from nearly every top school in the country, but says there is one particular school that is recruiting him harder than the rest (via Scout.com):

"

Miami is coming at me hard and I talk to every coach from there. I have been on their campus a lot because they are close to home. They have great tradition, especially at defensive back, so I am looking at them pretty hard too.

"

Burns is from the Miami area, and says he will commit during the fall when his high school season is over with. He is also looking at Alabama, Florida State, LSU and USC, among others.

Hunter Knighton Has Miami High on His List

Lineman Hunter Knighton is a very valuable prospect because he can play either side of the ball. At 6'5" and 265 pounds, Knighton has the frame and is physical enough to play on the offensive or defensive line.

He is a 3-star prospect, who doesn't have many offers from elite programs. Therefore, it's no wonder he has the Hurricanes high on his list (via Scout.com):

"It’s definitely one of my top offers right now. That’s the only camp I’m doing and I wanted the offer. They told me today. Coach Kehoe said they like me as an offensive lineman."

He plans to visit Boston College next month and will likely check out Miami a little more at some point in August.

Battle in-State for Denver Kirkland

Denver Kirkland is one of the top offensive linemen in the entire 2013 class. At 6'4" and 290 pounds, he has great footwork, is able to play multiple positions on the offensive line and is excellent in run blocking.

There seems to be a battle occurring between all of the Florida schools for Kirkland's services, as he is from the Miami area (via Scout.com):

"

I am a fan of the weather in Florida. I am used to the heat and I like the Florida weather, so I like the idea of playing in weather that I am used to. I could end up going anywhere, but the weather makes me like it in my home state.

"

The 4-star recruit also says that schools such as Florida, Florida State, Miami and South Florida are the ones that are recruiting him the hardest.

It is important to know that he does have offers from Auburn, USC and West Virginia, among others, but it appears that Kirkland will stay in the state of Florida when it is all said and done.

The question is, just where will that be?