Kynon's Korner: 5-Star DL Previews Miami OV, Austin Mack Recaps Sparty Trip
The University of Miami will host No. 3 Florida State this Saturday at Sun Life Stadium with plenty of big-name recruits expected to attend the in-state rivalry. Perhaps the biggest prospect to visit Coral Gables, Florida, will be 5-star defensive tackle Rasheem Green out of Gardena (California) Junipero Serra. Miami has yet to land a franchise interior lineman under head coach Al Golden and his staff. Green would fill an immediate need for the Hurricanes if they can pull the Golden State star from the West Coast.
"I'm excited for this game," Green told Bleacher Report. "I'm going to be looking at everything. I want to see how the defense plays. I really want to see how Coach (Jethro) Franklin is during the game with the defensive line. I've always liked Miami in general, and I like Coach Franklin a lot. I'm also looking forward to seeing Brad Kaaya play."
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Green will be accompanied by his parents. He told me they are comfortable with him leaving California if it's the right place. He's even talked to Kaaya about his transition to Miami and the college game. "I've talked to him on Twitter about it," Green explained. "He said he loves it down there."
Franklin has been recruiting Green for the 'Canes over the last two years, but he said offensive coordinator James Coley is starting to build a connection. Coley was responsible for landing Kaaya in last year's class, so there's a chance he can do it again. Miami already has 4-star Cali offensive lineman Bar Milo committed for the 2015 class.
The 6'5", 275-pound defender said Miami and USC are recruiting him the hardest at this stage. Miami's pitch has been "a little bit of everything," according to Green, citing the NFL tradition and possible early playing time.
Green calls J.J. Watt his favorite NFL player because of his work ethic and technique. He is planning to make his college decision on national signing day.
Austin Mack Calls Michigan State Visit an "8"
Wide receiver Austin Mack visited East Lansing over the weekend for the Spartans-Buckeyes tilt in a rematch of the 2013 Big Ten Championship Game. It was the first time he attended a game at the newly renovated stadium.
"I'd say the visit was an eight of 10," Mack responded. "The game was intense. The atmosphere was great, and the fans were going crazy. It was a fun game to be a part of. The new stadium was great, and the addition to the tunnel was awesome."
The Spartans staff have built strong relationships with Mack, and that stands out to the flanker from Indiana.
"Coach (Dave) Warner is my recruiter, but I talk to Coach (Terrance) Samuel the most," Mack said. "Coach Sam is real awesome, he's a cool guy. I have to say the guy that's impressed me the most from Michigan State is Coach (Ken) Mannie. When I took a visit over the summer, he kept it super real with me. He told me if you come here it's all about working. They aren't going to sugarcoat anything. It's a humble program. I like that about them."
The receivers aren't too bad either for Sparty. "Tony Lippett has been dominant this season. He didn't have a big game, but Ohio State's corners were good. (Doran) Grant is one of the best in the country," Mack noted. "(Macgarrett) Kings is solid. No. 25 had a big play. The thing with them is they run a pro-style offense, so that's a good thing."
Ohio State and Notre Dame are in the picture as well as Stanford. The 6'2", 205-pound split end said the Buckeyes have recruited Mack harder than any other program. He stays in constant contact with coach Urban Meyer, coach Kerry Coombs and coach Zach Smith. Mack plans to visit Ohio State on Nov. 29 for the Michigan game if his team isn't in the state championship that weekend.
5-star Defensive Lineman Daron Payne To Miss Bama-Hail State Game, Cowart Unsure
ESPN's College GameDay will be in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this Saturday for the Crimson Tide's showdown against No. 1 Mississippi State. Several top recruits are expected in T-Town for the SEC West battle. However, one of the nation's premier defensive linemen, Daron Payne, will not be roaming the sidelines.
Payne will be in Indiana visiting family following his Friday night playoff game against Florence (Alabama). He had this to say about the game though: "It's hard because I like both teams. I like the coaches and atmosphere at both, but I think Bama is going to take this one."
When it comes to recruiting, Payne said Alabama is the school that makes him feel like the biggest priority. "I talk to Coach (Mario) Cristobal almost every day. Coach (Kirby) Smart too," Payne said. "With Coach Cristobal, we don't just talk about football. We talk about everyday things and life. That's why I like him."
Kentucky, Mississippi State and USC are working to get him on campus for official visits after the season. The Bulldogs are a serious contender as Payne said Mississippi State is up there with Alabama, followed by Auburn.
Fellow 5-star defensive lineman Byron Cowart told me he is sick with the flu, and he isn't sure if he will make it to the game. Cowart's team opens the playoff on Friday against Largo (Florida). The Seffner (Florida) Armwood standout visited Alabama on Oct. 18 for the Texas A&M game. Yet, he wanted to see the marquee matchup up close.
"I was looking forward to this trip because it's a big game," Cowart told me. "I want to go, but I want to see if I feel better."
Cowart said Alabama is still in the mix along with Florida and Florida State. Oregon was scheduled to get an official visit next weekend, but those plans are on hold.
"Everything has changed," Cowart said. "Right now I'm taking it day by day. I was supposed to go to Oregon, but I need to talk to my coach about it. With Florida State, I'm not sure. I know I can take an official visit in January."
He has plans to announce his college choice at the Under Armour All-American Game on Friday, January 2.
Mom Approves of New Leader for California Athlete
Bellflower (California) St. John Bosco athlete D.J. Morgan was in Tempe, Arizona, last weekend for Arizona State's 55-31 rout of Notre Dame. Prior to the visit, USC was thought to be the leader, according to the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions. Shortly after coming home, Morgan didn't hesitate to name his leader.
"Yes, they are my leader," Morgan directly told Bleacher Report. "They are also my mom's leader. It was a great trip. I had a great time there."
What was the best part for Morgan? He answered, "My favorite part was getting to tour the facilities and hear about what Arizona State has to offer education-wise. My parents were very impressed with the education as well. My parents said ASU set a very high standard."
The 4-star playmaker said he got a chance to talk to the coaches about his future position and life as a Sun Devil.
"I got to talk to Coach (Chris) Ball about playing defensive back," Morgan stated. "He told me he feels I can be a four-year starter there, but it's all up to how hard I work to get a starting spot as a freshman."
Morgan has been to USC already for a game this fall. He is hearing from Notre Dame, and he has plans to check out campus at a later date.
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained firsthand. Recruiting information and ratings courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.
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