Miami Football Recruiting: Proof Golden Needs to Expand Reach Outside of Florida
Al Golden, head coach of the Miami Hurricanes' football program, has been working to rebuild one of the best dynasties college football has ever seen.
It was a dynasty from the 1980s into the early 2000s, and it was started by one coach, Howard Schnellenberger, and his unique recruiting philosophy.
The 'State of Miami' was a term coined by Schnellenberger and it helped build the Miami football program into a powerhouse.
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"Schnelly" would recruit the state of Florida south of Interstate 4, which runs approximately from Tampa to Orlando. There is absolutely no doubt the talent from the 'State of Miami' was what steered the Hurricanes to five national championships and various other opportunities at the title.
Fast forward to 2013 where Golden took plenty of heat after 14 of his 19 signees were not from Florida. Following signing day, big-time 'Canes supporter Luther Campbell—perhaps better known as "Uncle Luke"—took a shot at Golden criticizing him for "hating Florida."
Golden has shown he doesn't completely hate Florida, though, as all six of the current verbal commitments for the 2014 class to date are from the state.
But when one looks at the University of Miami's Sports Hall of Fame, it features 109 football inductees who came to Coral Gables from all over the country.
The number of inductees who hail from a different state may be surprising to some. This section is a breakdown of the home state of each member.
As the chart shows, 59 of the football inductees are from outside Florida, but 47 members are from in-state.
Names such as Jim Kelly (East Brady, PA), Ed Reed (St. Rose, LA) and Bubba Franks (Big Spring, TX) found their way to Miami as "outsiders," but 'Canes fans surely do not have many complaints about that.
For example, Schnellenberger's 1983 National Championship-winning team was not solely 'State of Miami' players. Much of the depth and talent of that team was absolutely from South Florida, but not every key player was.
Quarterback Bernie Kosar (Boardman, OH), All-American linebacker Jay Brophy (Akron, OH) and Orange Bowl hero Kenny Calhoun (Titusville, FL) were not from the 'State of Miami.'
Note: Calhoun is dependent on your interpretation of the northern-most border of South Florida. Titusville, FL sits along the "straight" line of I-4 from Tampa to Orlando.
But I know some of you are wondering, "Well, why didn't you focus on the guys who are actually from Florida?"
I hear you.
This graph switches focus to the 47 HOF inductees from the state of Florida.
While the majority of the school's Hall of Fame inductees are not from Florida, a strong number (37) are, in fact, from the 'State of Miami.'
It is important to note, however, that the 1987 National Championship team had a heavy dose of inductees from South Florida leading the squad.
Among others, Melvin Bratton (Miami, Northwestern HS), Michael Irvin (Fort Lauderdale, St. Thomas Aquinas HS) and Bennie Blades (Piper, Sunrise HS) led the way to the school's second national title.
The evolution of the Miami football program into dominance was reliant on local players staying home and playing for the 'Canes. Twenty-seven of the 109 inductees are from the neighboring counties of Dade, Broward or Palm Beach.
South Florida is the most important part of the state that needs to be recruited, but it doesn't mean the 'Canes should only recruit the 'State of Miami.'
Al Golden released his post-spring practice depth chart, and more than half of the listed starters are from the 'State of Miami.'
He is recruiting talent in South Florida that could be considered among the highest it's recently been strictly by the rankings of scouting services.
Not only is he recruiting the talent, the talent wants to come to the school.
But it doesn't mean Golden shouldn't snag some studs from out-of-state, either.
For those interested, here is the complete list of UM Sports Hall of Fame football inductees with home state, city and high school where available.
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*- Denote 'State of Miami' players
Notes: Denny Leonard, Bill Kimbrough and Rod Ashman are the three members about whom I could not find any information for this piece.
Special thanks to John Routh, Director, UM Sports Hall of Fame, for supplying additional information during research.
Thank you to reader Tom Popadak for inquiring about this topic!
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