Versatile 2016 Recruit Tyler Byrd Flips Commitment from Florida to Miami

Class of 2016 prospect Tyler Byrd, a 4-star cornerback from Naples, Florida, has flipped his commitment from Florida to Miami.

Byrd committed to Florida in June 2013—the summer before his sophomore year of high school—but announced Tuesday that he is no longer pledged to the program and will instead attend Miami:

Byrd (5'11.5", 195 lbs) is the No. 219 overall player and No. 23 cornerback in the 2016 class. He was one of two high school juniors committed to the Gators, and his defection leaves unranked receiver Rick Wells as the last man standing.

By contrast, Miami now has 13 commitments for 2016—five more than any other team in the country. It ranks No. 1 on the 247Sports team rankings, albeit with 12 months left in the cycle (before those rankings really start to matter).

Regardless, success on the recruiting trail explains how Al Golden has kept his job. The Hurricanes have lost 11 of their past 19 games, which has led to unrest in Coral Gables, but as long as Miami keeps recruiting this way, Golden won't go anywhere.

Steve Helber/Associated Press

Byrd joins wide receiver Sam Bruce (No. 34), wide receiver Dionte Mullins (No. 77), inside linebacker Shaquille Quarterman (No. 87), quarterback Jack Allison (No. 168) and outside linebacker Zach McCloud (No. 231) as top-250 recruits set to join Miami two seasons from now.

Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports said Golden is on the hottest seat of any head coach in the country. "If the Canes don't pose a legitimate threat to the Coastal Division and Florida State in 2015, Golden just might be canned," Fornelli wrote.

And in theory, he's correct.

But a class like this will make Miami think twice.

Note: All recruiting info refers to the 247Sports composite rankings.