Miami Football: Al Golden Addressing Needs but Has Little Room for Error

Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden has assembled a respectable recruiting class in 2015, but the much-maligned leader of The U can ill afford many signings to backfire.

The fifth-year coach is under a constant barrage of criticism from disgruntled fans who are lamenting the win-loss regression of the Hurricanes' 2014 campaign.

Though some of the complaints are fair and some are not, that's irrelevant. The fact of the matter is it's happening; the frustration is real and—thanks to social media—vocal, too.

National signing day, one of the most important landmarks of the offseason, is within a week, and Miami currently holds 19 commitments who comprise 247Sports' No. 20 class. Four prospects have enrolled, and 3-star Charles Perry is set to arrive on campus shortly, per Nate Taylor of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Credit: 247Sports

Golden and assistant coaches are still working the recruiting trail, looking to fill a half-dozen more spots for this cycle. The way they've gone about it, though, is leaving little room for error.

Six pledges are offensive linemen, four are D-linemen and the 'Canes aren't done recruiting for either unit. Fredrick Johnson, Kendrick Norton and at least five others are still on the board.

Now, that's not a problem. Considering the losses due to graduation and early exits for the NFL, Miami needs to bolster both sides of the trenches. Attacking two positions so aggressively, however, leaves the Hurricanes coaches extremely reliant on their evaluation abilities for the rest of the class.

Ah, yes, evaluation. Strong showings by former Miami players in all-star events—like Anthony Chickillo in the East-West Shrine Game along with Phillip Dorsett and Ladarius Gunter in the Senior Bowl—provided evidence that neither player evaluation nor development is the problem.

They didn't become standout performers due to three days of NFL-level coaching. As Chickillo—who was constantly criticized for never living up to his 5-star potential—said during the Shrine Game, per Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post, "I've always had it."

So, there's plenty of proof that supports Golden and Co. are targeting the right talent. The issues lie in utilization and execution, but that's a-whole-nother debate with a-whole-lotta time remaining before next season to discuss it.

Take a look at the progression of the 'Canes staff in evaluating for this cycle. If possible, forget about records, stars, class rankings and any pent-up anger for just 10 minutes.

Golden had his quarterback in Dwayne Lawson, who committed in May 2014. Then, Brad Kaaya immediately backed up all the hype and will undoubtedly be a four-year starter if he stays that long. Consequently, no one should criticize Lawson for backing out of that situation.

But then, Vincent Testaverde transferred from Texas Tech to Miami, so the once-imperative need to sign a quarterback in this cycle diminished. As a result, Evan Shirreffs is on the radar, but—while a decent addition as a reserve—he appears to be a contingency plan because no scholarship has been offered.

The Hurricanes must replace their three biggest skill-position contributors in Duke Johnson, Phillip Dorsett and Clive Walford, which isn't accomplished easily.

Johnson doesn't leave a "next man up" hole; rather, there's a gaping void. But with Joe Yearby and Gus Edwards returning, Mark Walton showing no signs of wavering and Jordan Scarlett down to Miami, Florida and Florida State, Miami is set at running back.

Dorsett is the only departing wideout who consistently logged significant snaps, so the 'Canes aren't even in dire need of receivers. That said, Lawrence Cager and Terrell Chatman are both possession-oriented additions, while key target Antonio Callaway provides straight-line speed akin to Dorsett.

Walford emerged as his quarterback's leading target, something to which few newcomers can ever stake a similar claim. But Golden signed Jerome Washington, a 6'5", 260-pounder who's ranked the No. 1 JUCO tight end.

On paper, what else did Miami need to accomplish?

The narrative alters slightly on defense, but it's certainly not drastic. Linebacker is the most glaring need, so the Hurricanes only bringing in a pair of prospects can be concerning to some.

At this time, only Perry and Jamie Gordinier have given pledges to The U. While Miami is still pursuing Kansas State commit Mohamed Barry, other options in an already weak position for 2015 are dwindling.

Credit: 247Sports

But it's not for a lack of trying. Perry, Gordinier, John Houston, Tevon Coney, Dominic Sheppard, Claude George, Saleem Brightwell and 30 more linebackers were extended a scholarship. Barring a surprise commitment or shocking flip, none of them are coming to Coral Gables.

However, those 37 offers are tied with Louisville for most in the ACC, according to 247Sports' data.

Yes, the 'Canes must further deal with their linebacker situation, but Golden stormed the need from the beginning. He is addressing it, and it's a safe bet he'll continue exploring backup plans after signing day.

In the secondary, Miami has targeted players who potentially fit at multiple spots. For example, early-enrollee Jaquan Johnson could play cornerback while Deon Bush completes his final season of eligibility, then move to safety in 2016.

Top target Marcus Lewis would provide similar versatility in the secondary, and he'll choose between Kentucky and the Hurricanes on Feb. 3, per Ryan Bartow of 247Sports.

So, as it pertains to the class as a whole, what else could Miami have done? The 'Canes surely need top-level talent, but big-name recruits aren't lining up like they did for a dominant program a decade ago.

Consequently, Golden and his assistants must be very selective with their second-, third- and fourth-tier targets. And with mere hours remaining before signing day, despite all the uncertainty of Miami's future, it appears they have.

Golden has addressed the Hurricanes' positional needs. He's targeted players based on scheme fit. He's close to replacing specific attributes of departing players. He's signed prospects who can contribute at multiple spots.

It's not like Golden is stuck in an outlandish state of mind, completely oblivious to what's missing on his team. Properly using that talent is sometimes a problem, but again, table that discussion for a later date.

On paper, he's checked off nearly everything that needed to be a main focus in the 2015 recruiting class. But the results—aka wins—need to start coming, and disgruntled fans want the first victory to arrive on signing day.

The criticism will ratchet up another level on the fourth of February, even though Golden has proved his prowess as a recruiter. The key triumphs demanded cannot be achieved until September, but that's not the point.

If the 'Canes don't finish with a high-profile name or two, the angry voices will likely grow louder. The progression Miami took to reach this stage is irrelevant to disgruntled followers who are demanding change.

Fair or not, Golden doesn't have room for error on signing day.

Note: Recruiting information via 247Sports.

Follow Bleacher Report college football writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.