National Signing Day 2011: Miami Coach Al Golden Making Up for Lost Time
The last two months have seen The U go through a lot of change. They dismissed most of their coaching staff, were blown away in the Sun Bowl by Notre Dame, and now lose their top two defensive players (Allen Bailey and Brandon Harris) and their top receiving option (Leonard Hankerson) to the draft. So, how has new Canes coach Al Golden made up for the lost talent so far, and what still has to be done? Let's take a look:
QB Tom Savage
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The injury to QB Jacory Harris opened the door for third-stringer Stephen Morris to step in, and take over the reins. Since then, there has been much talk on who will begin the season as the starter. Rutgers QB Tom Savage has plans to transfer to Miami, except he's being denied his bid by Rutgers coach (and coincidentally former Miami assistant) Greg Schiano. While Savage wouldn't be eligible to play this year, he's a former 4-star recruit, who was the 8th ranked QB coming out of high school in the country only two years ago. With his top choice Miami, the Canes would be able to solidify their QB position for the next couple of seasons if Schiano okays the transfer.
DE Anthony Chickillo
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Chickillo is the most important recruit to Miami for a number of reasons. He's their best recruit- the third-ranked defensive end in the country. He fills a spot on the line vacated by future NFL'er Allen Bailey. Finally, he is the Canes best shot at DE Jadeveon Clowney, who may be the best prospect at any position the past ten years. Chickillo played with Clowney at the Senior Bowl, and Clowney noted how he would love to play with Chickillo. If Golden is able to swoop in late, and convince Clowney to come to Miami, the Canes would have one of the best defensive end combos in the country.
DB Thomas Finnie
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Finnie appeared headed to South Carolina and the SEC, before Golden made a last-second recruiting trip, and convinced the three-star defensive back to go to Miami. The cornerback, who plays his high school ball at Miami Central, decided to stay local, and will help fill in for the departing Brandon Harris.
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QB Tate Forcier
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As great as it would be for Miami to get Rutgers transfer Tom Savage, Forcier would be an even bigger pull. Forcier has had more success, and has done so in a much tougher conference than the Big East. The former Michigan QB lists Miami and Washington amongst his transfer options. While Denard Robinson got all the attention in Ann Arbor, it was Forcier who actually played better against the top Big Ten teams. While Forcier has struggled with off-field academic issues, his talent is matched by few in the country, and he'd be a great fit for the Canes.
S Byron Moore
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Moore is a redshirt freshman transfer safety from USC. The former four-star recruit was the sixth-ranked safety in the country two years ago, and will help solidify the Miami secondary.
TE Blake Ayles
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Ayles is another USC transfer from the same class as Moore. Ayles was the second-ranked tight end in the country only two years ago, and will bring his immense talent to Miami, where they haven't had a difference-maker from the tight end position in years. Getting production out of the tight end position will be even more important without Leonard Hankerson this season.
QB Jacoby Brissett
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Brissett is the third-ranked QB in the country, and has been described by many as a "faster, bigger" Jacory Harris. The 6'5, 225-pound dual-threat QB out of West Palm Beach is a four-star recruit, and would be in the mix to start if he chooses Coral Gables. Brissett visited Coral Gables over the weekend, and lists Miami as one of his final choices. Getting a quarterback may be the most important priority for the Canes, and Brissett would be a huge pull.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
