Miami Football Recruiting: Dexter Williams and Scott Patchan Commit to 'Canes

Before the Miami Hurricanes took the field for the 2014 spring game, two prospects gave their commitments to Al Golden and the coaching staff at "The U."

Dexter Williams, a 4-star running back from Orlando, Fla., and Scott Patchan, a 3-star defensive end from Tampa, Fla., are now verbally committed to the 'Canes.

According to 247Sports' Composite Rankings, Williams is ranked the 11th-best running back in the nation, but 247Sports has him listed as the No. 4 back. Consequent to his pledge, Williams takes the lead as the highest-rated commitment for the Hurricanes' 2014 class.

Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel notes Williams posted the second-best SPARQ score at the Orlando camp and was invited to Nike's The Opening, an exclusive training event and competition.

Anticipating the departure of superstar back Duke Johnson, the Hurricanes are looking to stockpile talent at the running back position. Sophomore Gus Edwards and freshman Joseph Yearby will contribute during the upcoming season, but Williams would provide another solid option in the backfield in future years.

Patchan, whose father played at Miami, is a top-500 player and the 24th-rated defensive end on 247Sports' Composite Rankings.

The legacy defensive end announced his commitment on his Twitter account, posting a picture with him standing next to Golden and defensive line coach Jethro Franklin.

Last season, Patchan accounted for 56 tackles, tallying an outstanding 24 for loss, including 8.5 sacks.

Patchan joins a rebuilding defensive line that is looking to develop into a more consistent unit, especially with the addition of 2014 5-star Chad Thomas alongside sophomore Al-Quadin Muhammad.

The Miami 2015 class now holds nine verbal commitments, and The U currently ranks 13th nationally and third in the ACC, per 247Sports.

Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.