Miami Football Recruiting: Meet the Hurricanes' 2015 Class

The Miami Hurricanes have nearly wrapped up the 2015 recruiting cycle now that national signing day has concluded.

Five players had already enrolled, but the Hurricanes signed 15 more on Wednesday, Feb. 4, attempting to bolster a program that's seen better days.

While head coach Al Golden has a history of signing prospects in the weeks following national signing day, the Hurricanes ended the drama-filled event with the No. 26 unit in the nation.

But after a disappointing end to the 2014 campaign, Miami's signing day was somewhat anti-climactic. Overall, it's a solid haul that addresses their needs, but it still lacks the superstar presence many supporters desire and demand.

Offensive Skill Positions

The Hurricanes once had a quartet of 4-star running backs committed, but local product Mark Walton was the only one who lasted until signing day. Miami must replace school-record-holder Duke Johnson, and Walton now provides the roster with a skill set similar to the departed star's.

Lawrence Cager pledged to the Hurricanes at the Army All-American Bowl in early January and stayed true to his word. The 3-star receiver was the No. 7 player from the state of Maryland.

Barring a late addition, Jerome Washington rounded out the skill-position signings. Rated the country's 19th-best junior college prospect and No. 1 tight end, the 6'5", 260-pounder fills an immediate need, provides necessary depth and has the physical tools to become a starter.

Miami is only losing one player at running back, receiver and tight end, so the numbers certainly work. But all things considered, this portion of the class was underwhelming.

Those Who Do the Dirty Work

Credit: 247Sports

It was no secret: Golden and Co. needed to replenish the offensive line and continue to improve the defensive side of the trenches. So the Hurricanes signed six offensive linemen and four defensive linemen.

Miami grabbed 4-star offensive tackle Tyree St. Louis, 3-star defensive end Scott Patchan and 3-star defensive tackle Ryan Fines, all from IMG Academy.

St. Louis won't necessarily play immediately, but the 4-star is likely the O-line signee most prepared to join the rotation in the near future. Patchan is somewhat reminiscent of NFL-bound Anthony Chickillo, while Fines is a project Miami must develop.

Bar Milo, a high-school teammate of Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya, decided to make the cross-country trip from Southern California to South Florida. The 4-star offensive lineman, along with JUCO transfer Jahair Jones, are potential immediate-impact players on the line.

On a similar note, 3-star defensive tackle Kendrick Norton chose the Hurricanes on signing day, per Justin Barney of The Florida Times-Union. Norton has an excellent chance to break into the two-deep as a freshman.

Golden had high praise for Richard McIntosh, a 3-star defensive end from Fort Lauderdale.

A trio of 3-star offensive linemen in Brendan Loftus, Hayden Mahoney and Tyler Gauthier represent useful depth, though they probably won't see significant playing time until 2017.

The Hurricanes also announced the addition of former 5-star and Florida Gators defensive tackle Gerald Willis, who must sit out 2015 due to NCAA transfer rules. His on-field talent is undeniable, but Willis is followed by a variety of question marks, as noted previously by the Tampa Bay Times.

Linebackers and Defensive Backs

Miami's most glaring need entering the final week before signing day was at linebacker, but Golden managed to snag local 3-star James King, according to Peter Ariz of CanesInSight.

King joined Charles Perry and Jamie Gordinier, giving the Hurricanes a decent selection on the outside. Miami could have used an inside linebacker but struck out on the trail.

Headlined by 4-star early enrollee Jaquan Johnson, the secondary is undoubtedly the strength of the Hurricanes' 2015 class. Johnson's high school teammate Sheldrick Redwine exchanged Louisville red for Miami orange on national signing day, per David Furones of The Miami Herald.

Golden plucked 6'2" Michael Jackson out of Alabama, who fits the mold of Ladarius Gunter as a future outside cornerback.

With Deon Bush and Rayshawn Jenkins returning, the Hurricanes took a reasonable risk on a local product. They added Robert Knowles, a late-rising, high-ceiling prospect at safety.

Complete 2015 Class

Each player who has signed is listed in the table below, which is organized by the 247Sports composite rankings. For reference, 4-star prospects are highlighted, and every remaining player is a 3-star.

PLAYER	POS	HT/WT	SCHOOL (Hometown)
Mark Walton	RB	5'10", 179	Booker T. Washington (Miami, FL)
Jaquan Johnson*	S	5'10", 182	Killian (Miami, FL)
Bar Milo	OT	6'6", 270	Chaminade (West Hills, CA)
Tyree St. Louis	OT	6'5", 300	IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)
Jerome Washington*	TE	6'5", 260	Mercer County C.C. (Princeton Junction, NJ)
Lawrence Cager	WR	6'5", 195	Calvert Hall College (Towson, MD)
Kendrick Norton	DT	6'3", 305	Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, FL)
Charles Perry*	LB	6'1", 205	Royal Palm Beach (West Palm Beach, FL)
Scott Patchan*	DE	6'5", 237	IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)
Michael Jackson	CB	6'2", 190	Spain Park (Birmingham, AL)
Jahair Jones*	OT	6'5", 310	ASA College (Brooklyn, NY)
Sheldrick Redwine	S	6'1", 183	Killian (Miami, FL)
Jamie Gordinier	LB	6'4", 235	Red Bank Catholic (Red Bank, NJ)
Richard McIntosh	DE	6'5", 275	Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Brendan Loftus	OT	6'7",270	Amos P. Godby (Tallahassee, FL)
Hayden Mahoney	OT	6'5", 285	Malvern Prep (Malvern, PA)
Ryan Fines	DT	6'4", 305	IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)
Tyler Gauthier	OT	6'5", 305	Venice (Venice, FL)
Robert Knowles	S	6'1", 185	Edison (Miami, FL)
James King	LB	6'1", 200	Booker T. Washington (Miami, FL)

Note: Stats courtesy of CFBstats.com. All recruiting information via 247Sports and rankings based on 247Sports' composite rankings.

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