Miami Football Recruiting: Looking Ahead to the 2016 Class

The Miami Hurricanes ended the 2015 class on an underwhelming note, but head coach Al Golden and his staff have ripped off a scorching start to the 2016 recruiting cycle.

According to 247Sports, the Canes' prospective haul ranks No. 1 in the country and is highlighted by a handful of premier South Florida talent—a place in which Miami wasn't remarkably successful with the last class.

While Golden and Co. must tackle a few needs during the upcoming year, they're in superb position as it stands. The Hurricanes will only lose what is likely between five and seven starters after next season, so the 2016 class is a critical time to replenish the roster.

Of course, signing day is but a distant event, so this piece is intended to provide a basic overview of Miami's biggest needs, which prospects are currently committed and other targets to keep an eye on.

Order of Needs

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Raphael Kirby will run out of eligibility after 2015, and Miami needs to replace him at linebacker.

A common misconception is that programs should be replacing seniors with incoming freshmen; however, if possible, coaches are looking out for what they'll be losing over the next two seasons.

For every Duke Johnson, Brad Kaaya, Deon Bush and Stacy Coley, there are four players who aren't recording a ton of significant snaps as true freshmen.

Some of the positions have been addressed, but the verbal commitments are nonbinding. Consequently, each position in which the Canes need a recruit—or recruits—is mentioned.

At the minimum, Miami should sign one quarterback, one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers, two offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, three linebackers and three defensive backs. That leaves approximately eight open spots, depending on how many openings Golden decides to fill.

According to priority, the Hurricanes' needs are at linebacker, at wide receiver, in the secondary and at quarterback. Both sides of the trenches follow, and then, tight end and running back caps the order.

Offensive Commits

As it stands, Miami has verbal pledges from one quarterback, one running back and three wideouts. Every athlete attends high school in South Florida.

Jack Allison, a 4-star quarterback from Palmetto, is the No. 7 pro-style gunslinger in the nation. The Canes must groom someone to replace Kaaya, and Allison is largely considered the top option.

Over the next two years, Miami's offense will lose wide receivers Rashawn Scott, Herb Waters, Stacy Coley and Malcolm Lewis. The trio of current commitments would certainly soften that impact, since Sam Bruce, Dionte Mullins and Ahmmon Richards are each 4-star talents.

Finishing the group is running back Amir Rasul, a local product who has plenty of speed to burn. Rasul probably won't develop into a can't-miss prospect, but he'd be a decent addition to a slim backfield.

Defensive Commits

The Hurricanes hold eight nonbinding commitments from defensive prospects, each of whom are in-state players. Although the defense has a variety of holes to fill, linebacker is the greatest need.

Miami, however, has already snagged its headliner, Shaquille Quarterman, who is ranked No. 3 at his position. Golden has a pledge from 4-star Zach McCloud, the 17th-best outside 'backer in the class, and 3-star Michael Pinckney.

Deon Bush, Rayshawn Jenkins, Jamal Carter, Tracy Howard, Artie Burns and Corn Elder will all exit the secondary within the next two seasons, which means the secondary is a key focus in 2016. Tyler Byrd, Cedrick Wright and Devin Gil have unofficially tied themselves to The U.

Joseph Jackson, a 4-star defensive end, and defensive tackle Keyshon Camp round out the current haul.

Offensive Targets

It's early. Names will change, whether they leave Miami's board or new athletes enter the picture. This is a basic list of some highly rated players who have expressed interest in the Hurricanes and/or have been offered a scholarship.

Quarterback: Unless Allison decommits, don't expect Golden or offensive coordinator James Coley to make many headlines with another shot-caller.

Running Back: Deon McIntosh—brother of 2015 signee Richard—is a 3-star runner with obvious Miami ties. The Canes should be looking to take another running back in the class along with Rasul.

Tight End: Assuming nothing changes, Miami will only have Chris Herndon and Jerome Washington after 2016. Jacob Mathis and Nick Eubanks are in-state 3-stars who have received offers.

Wide Receiver: Put simply, the upcoming class is simply full of wideouts. The Hurricanes are chasing Michael Irvin Jr., Freddie Pinder and Binjimen Victor, among a slew of others.

Offensive Line: The O-line isn't a pressing need because Miami has been so aggressive up-front during the last two cycles, but Baveon Johnson, Will Fries and Michael Onwenu are notable early targets.

Defensive Targets

Credit: 247Sports

Trayvon Mullen

The same qualifier applies here: Signing day is 350-plus days away, and more options will emerge on the defensive side. 

Defensive Line: Miami will be active in the defensive trenches once again. 247Sports already lists 37 scholarship offers to defensive linemen, such as 4-star Patrick Bethel and local product Brian Burns.

Linebacker: The Canes have verbal pledges from two of their top inside linebackers, so they might be set in the middle. Michael Divinity might be tough to draw away from nearby LSU, but he'd be an outstanding pull.

Secondary: Trayvon Mullen, one-time commitment Chauncey Gardner and Nigel Knott are the biggest names of the secondary group, while Devin Studstill and Jamel Cook are on the board, too.

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.