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Cane Hunt ’13: “Top 25 Remaining Prospects” | UPDATE | July 31

  • Cane Hunt '13: Top 25 Remaining Prospects - #1
    July 10, 2012

    1. Matthew Thomas | OLB | 6-3/195 | Miami, FL. | Rating: 98 | Rank: #3 OLB

    Arguably, Matthew Thomas is Miami’s #1 target, period. Matthew is an elite national OLB in the Hurricanes’ own backyard. He’s been very quiet throughout the recruiting process though.

    Matthew is an extremely disruptive defender, both inside and outside. He’s very athletic, quick and explosive. Great motor and utilizes his speed to make plays sideline to sideline. Thomas has excellent pass rushing skills, creating havoc as an edge rusher and outside blitzer. He needs to get bigger and stronger and work on his coverage skills at the next level to reach his full potential.

    It has recently been reported in an Orlando Sentinel interview with Thomas that Alabama is his leader. "I like Alabama. I don’t remember [when I decided] but I remember them being my favorite, I think around spring time. I like that they are a national program … how they breed linebackers to the NFL. They can go for a national championship every year, so I like that.” However, the Canes are not out of it. He recently took an un-official visit to the UM campus on June 27. "It was good. I was watching the players work out. I was talking to the coaches. I liked it. I liked what I’ve seen because they’ve been working hard trying to get back to win a national championship again, trying to bring that back to Miami."

    In a separate interview by 247Sports, Thomas indicated that UM may have a secret weapon, his Mom. “I’ve been feeling like I need to get away for school but my mom is stressing Miami,” Thomas said. “She told me not to write them off because it would be a good spot for me. She puts Miami in my ear and I’m looking at them for sure. She has a lot of influence, basically whatever she says is what goes.”

    FSU, UGA and Louisville are still lurking. Matthew indicated that he probably will not announce until NSD. At this time, our chances of signing Thomas are at 60%.

    PREDICTION: Does Satin steals the BIG ONE from us? U PICK EM!

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    It's five o'clock somewhere!!!

    Len Mags

  • Mathew Thomas recruitment reminds me of bushes recruitment from last yr. Miami started out a favorite. Then it seemed like bama was gonna get him. Then we all know how that went. I think this might end up the same way. "why not put my city back on the map"

    Caneaholic

  • Mathew Thomas recruitment reminds me of bushes recruitment from last yr. Miami started out a favorite. Then it seemed like bama was gonna get him. Then we all know how that went. I think this might end up the same way. "why not put my city back on the map"

    Caneaholic

  • Hopefully having momma thomas on our side also helps

    Caneaholic

  • Consider are recent run of 5 stars have been busts i just want high character football players with a heart of a lion and an incredible motor. Perfect Example RAY Lewis, Scouts said he was too small to dominate but they forgot to measure his heart.

    This post was edited by jmsmooth33 on 7/10/2012 at 1:54 PM

    jmsmooth33

  • Cane Hunt ’13: Top 25 Remaining Prospects – Recap
    July 11, 2012

    1. Matthew Thomas
    OLB | 6-3/195 | Miami, FL. | Rating: 98 | Rank: #3 OLB
    PREDICTION: Does Satin steals the BIG ONE from us? U PICK EM!

    2. Jamal Carter
    Safety | 6-2/193 | Miami, FL. | Rating: 92 | Rank: #17 Safety
    PREDICTION: Mom gets her way. Jamal will fly Hurricane flags on NSD.

    3. Vernon Hargreaves III
    CB | 5-11/180 | Tampa, FL. | Rating: 100 | Rank: #1 CB
    PREDICTION: This year’s #1 will choose to team with last year’s #1 at the “U.”

    4. Denver Kirkland
    OT | 6-4/290 | Miami, FL. |Rating: 90 | Rank: #25 OT
    PREDICTION: Denver to Miami, non-stop.

    5. Artie Burns
    CB | 6-0/170 | Miami, FL. | Rating: 94 | Rank: #11 CB
    PREDICTION: Artie gives us the bat signal!

    6. MacKensie Alexander
    CB | 5-10/175/4.40 | Immokalee, FL | Rating: 97 | Rank: #4 CB
    PREDICTION: Alexander will play college ball with his brother, but not at Miami.

    7. Tim Williams
    WDE | 6-3/225 | Baton Rouge, LA | Rated: 95 | Rank: #2 WDE
    PREDICTION: Canes steal a BIG one from the SEC.

    8. Jermaine Grace
    OLB | 6-1/195 | Hollywood, FL | Rating: 89 | Rank: #24 OLB
    PREDICTION: Jermaine joins his buddies on the next championship team at Miami.

    9. Eddie Vanderdoes
    DT | 6-4/309 | Auburn, CA. |Rating: 95 | Rank: #4 DT
    PREDICTION: Eddie will quack like a duck.

    10. Richy Klepal
    OT | 6-3/283 | Tampa, FL | Rating: 89 | Rank: #38 OT
    PREDICTION: Richy keeps the pipeline open to Tampa.

    11. Alquadin Muhammad
    SDE | 6-4/230/4.65 | Ramsey, NJ | Rating: 95 | Rank: #3 SDE
    PREDICTION: The luck of the Irish prevails. Muhammad commits to Notre Dame.

    12. Stacy Coley
    WR | 6-1/175/4.57 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Rating: 95 | Rank: #3 WR
    PREDICTION: Coley pledges to FSU.

    13. Quinton James
    RB-ILB | 6-2/215 | Kennesaw, GA. | Rating: 86 | Rank: #35 ILB
    PREDICTION: All Canes.

    14. Jayron Kearse
    6-4/185 | Ft. Myers, FL. | Rating: 90 | Rank: #25 Ath.
    PREDICTION: Jayron will wear orange...Clemson orange.

    15. Jaynard Bostwick
    SDE | 6-4/280 | Port St. Lucie, FL. | Rating: 88 | Rank: #18 SDE
    PREDICTION: Bostwick signs with Miami.

    16. A.J. Turman
    RB | 6-0/197 | Orlando, FL. | Rating: 94 | Rank: #11 RB
    PREDICTION: Our need for RB depth will win out over FSU. Distance from his home will wins out over Vols. A.J. signs with Miami.

    17. Derrick Calloway
    DT | 6-1/300 | 5.29 | Bradenton, FL | Rating: NR | Rank: NR
    PREDICTION: If USC offers, he goes back to the west coast. If not, we have a good chance. I’m afraid he’ll be moving again.

    18. Jordan Sherit
    WDE | 6-4/240 | Tampa, FL. | Rating: 91 | Rank: #11 WDE
    PREDICTION: I may be bias, but in the end, Jordan wears Green and Orange.

    19. Donta Wilkins
    DT | 6-2/305 | Dumfries, VA. | Rating: 90 | Rank: #18 DT
    PREDICTION: Wilkins signs with UVA.
    UPDATE: Wilkins verbals to UVA on 6/21.

    20. David Williams
    RB | 6-1/183 | Philadelphia, PA | Rating: 92 | Rank: #12 RB
    PREDICTION: Williams signs with Penn State.

    21. Levonte Whitfield
    WR | 5-9/165 | Orlando, FL. | Rating: 88 | Rank:
    PREDICTION: Whitfield signs with FSU.

    22. DeSean Smith
    TE | 6-4/224 | Lake Charles, LA. | Rating: 94 | Rank: #4 TE
    PREDICTION: Smith signs with LSU.
    UPDATE: Smith gave his verbal commitment to LSU om 7/2/12

    23. Jordan Cunningham
    WR |6-3/175 |Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Rating: 88 | Rank: #60 WR
    PREDICTION: Cunningham signs with Miami.

    24. Michael Parker
    Ath. | 6-4/195 | Nokesville, VA. | Rating: 90 | Rank: #23 Ath.
    PREDICTION: Parker signs with Virginia Tech

    25. Jeremy Kerr
    TE | 6-5/241 | St. Petersburg, FL. | Rating: 77 | NR
    PREDICTION: Signs with Miami
    UPDATE: Kerr gave his verbal to Miami on June 11th.

    signature image signature image signature image

    It's five o'clock somewhere!!!

    Len Mags

  • #24 needs to b updated... Parker has a leader (us) and maryland plus WVU to round his top 3...

    Where does VA tech come into picture

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    fearthau83

  • Thanks Len I thoroughly enjoyed your list and made it s point to read it everyday! Even got selfishly upset when there was no update on the 4th haha.. But great job I'm hoping to land about 12 of those guys including the top 5 !

    GHSquaredRJH32

  • fearthau83 said...

    #24 needs to b updated... Parker has a leader (us) and maryland plus WVU to round his top 3...

    Where does VA tech come into picture

    Hi Fearthau!

    Thanks for your comment. My obvious foobah of predicting VT was the result of my research of all reports on Michael back in early June when I started writing the series. It just goes to show ya, don't believe everything you read. However, I remember being bummed out that we weren't on his radar, at least according to published reports. This young man may be another hidden gem found by Coach G and staff. The boy can play. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

    Oh yes, prepare yourself. I will be wrong again! Lol! fingergun

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    It's five o'clock somewhere!!!

    Len Mags

  • GHSquaredRJH32 said...

    Thanks Len I thoroughly enjoyed your list and made it s point to read it everyday! Even got selfishly upset when there was no update on the 4th haha.. But great job I'm hoping to land about 12 of those guys including the top 5 !

    Kind words. Thank you. I'm happy u enjoyed it. Go Canes! banana

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    It's five o'clock somewhere!!!

    Len Mags

  • Lol, hey I understand, you put alot of time into these. I'm appreciative, just lending a helping hand. By my account right now I think we get him.

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    fearthau83

  • fearthau83 said...

    Lol, hey I understand, you put alot of time into these. I'm appreciative, just lending a helping hand. By my account right now I think we get him.

    I agree, it's looking good.

    Another surprise that's looking good is Tim Williams. Stud.

    banana

    Oh yes, I'm getting increasingly worried about Jamal Carter. He sounds like he wants to get away from home for college. Parker's surprise elevation of UM now becomes very important if Jamal decides to get away from Mama.

    signature image signature image signature image

    It's five o'clock somewhere!!!

    Len Mags

  • Cane Hunt ’13: “Top 25 Remaining Prospects”...Just missed . July 11, 2012

    I finished writing the original draft of the T25 series on the weekend of June 9-10. As I rolled out each daily spotlight, one players gave his verbal commitment to another school and one indicated no interest in U before I had a chance to post them. Technically, they were no longer available. Or so I thought. I made substitutions. Here are the two prospects that got away. Or did they? Remember, I wrote these spotlights in early June.

    Enjoy.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Tashawn Bower | WDE | 6-5/241 | Somerville, NJ | Rating: 94 | Rank: #3 WDE

    Coach Golden is trying to establish a “beachhead” in the NE for recruiting and brand expansion. He’s already landed an elite NJ QB in Kevin Olsen. Also landing WDE Tashawn Bower would rock the recruiting establishment in that part of the world. Tashawn is another elite talent. However, it will be a hard pull for the Canes. We’re in his Top 10, but face stiff challenges from Auburn, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Rutgers, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Florida and Notre Dame. Our chance of signing Tashawn is at 40%, with a realistic chance of 30% if we can’t get him to visit campus this summer.

    PREDICTION: Bower signs close to home, say OSU, Rutgers or Notre Dame.

    UPDATE: Bower gave his verbal commitment to Auburn on June 12. OK, I was close?!?
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Josh McNeil | TE | 6-5/240 | Durham, NC. | Rating: 92 | Rank: #8

    Tight End is another major position of need. The Canes have received a verbal from Standish Dobard, a pass catching threat. We need a big blocking end. McNeil is that and more. Alabama is in lead with UGA, LSU and UM in the mix. A friend in Georgia swears he is a silent for the Dawgs. This will be a hard pull for the Canes. If we are successful, the Canes will be set with a dynamic duo at TE for years to come.

    Prediction: McNeil signs with Georgia.

    signature image signature image signature image

    It's five o'clock somewhere!!!

    Len Mags

  • Len Mags said...

    Cane Hunt ’13: “Top 25 Remaining Prospects”...Just missed . July 11, 2012

    I finished writing the original draft of the T25 series on the weekend of June 9-10. As I rolled out each daily spotlight, one players gave his verbal commitment to another school and one indicated no interest in U before I had a chance to post them. Technically, they were no longer available. Or so I thought. I made substitutions. Here are the two prospects that got away. Or did they? Remember, I wrote these spotlights in early June.

    Enjoy. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tashawn Bower | WDE | 6-5/241 | Somerville, NJ | Rating: 94 | Rank: #3 WDE

    Coach Golden is trying to establish a “beachhead” in the NE for recruiting and brand expansion. He’s already landed an elite NJ QB in Kevin Olsen. Also landing WDE Tashawn Bower would rock the recruiting establishment in that part of the world. Tashawn is another elite talent. However, it will be a hard pull for the Canes. We’re in his Top 10, but face stiff challenges from Auburn, Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Rutgers, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Florida and Notre Dame. Our chance of signing Tashawn is at 40%, with a realistic chance of 30% if we can’t get him to visit campus this summer.

    PREDICTION: Bower signs close to home, say OSU, Rutgers or Notre Dame.

    UPDATE: Bower gave his verbal commitment to Auburn on June 12. OK, I was close?!? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Josh McNeil | TE | 6-5/240 | Durham, NC. | Rating: 92 | Rank: #8

    Tight End is another major position of need. The Canes have received a verbal from Standish Dobard, a pass catching threat. We need a big blocking end. McNeil is that and more. Alabama is in lead with UGA, LSU and UM in the mix. A friend in Georgia swears he is a silent for the Dawgs. This will be a hard pull for the Canes. If we are successful, the Canes will be set with a dynamic duo at TE for years to come.

    Prediction: McNeil signs with Georgia.

    you forgot about travis johnson already commited te should be the least of our concerns right now imo

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    ALL ABOUT THE U

    CANEBG21

  • CANEBG21 said...

    you forgot about travis johnson already commited te should be the least of our concerns right now imo

    Hey BG21!

    Remember, I wrote both spotlights before Travis committed. I eliminated McNeil in the series when Travis committed. I hadn't yet posted McNeil's piece when Travis committed. Obviously, that could be a big mistake.

    Thanks for keeping me on my toes.

    surrenderlol

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    It's five o'clock somewhere!!!

    Len Mags

  • Cane Hunt ’13: “Top 25 Remaining Prospects”

    7/31/12: In June, I began a series spotlighting our Top 25 remaining prospects. I promised to update you on the status of our T25 as they made their verbal commitments. As of today, here is a status report.

    1. Matthew Thomas | OLB | 6-3/195 | Miami, FL. | Rating: 98 | Rank: #3 OLB

    PREDICTION: Does Satin steals the BIG ONE from us? U PICK EM!
    STATUS: No Change. UM trails both FSU and Alabama.
    ___________________________________________________________
    2. Jamal Carter | Safety | 6-2/193 | Miami, FL. | Rating: 92 | Rank: #17 Safety

    PREDICTION: Mom gets her way. Jamal will fly Hurricane flags on NSD.
    STATUS: Jamal has made his verbal commitment to the Miami Hurricanes!
    ___________________________________________________________
    3. Vernon Hargreaves III | CB | 5-11/180 | Tampa, FL. | Rating: 100 | Rank: #1 CB

    PREDICTION: This year’s #1 will choose to team with last year’s #1 at the “U.”
    STATUS: Vernon has made his verbal commitment to Florida.
    ___________________________________________________________
    4. Denver Kirkland | OT | 6-4/290 | Miami, FL. |Rating: 90 | Rank: #25 OT

    PREDICTION: Denver to Miami, non-stop.
    STATUS: No Change. Down to UM, FSU and Oregon.
    ___________________________________________________________
    5. Artie Burns | CB | 6-0/170 | Miami, FL. | Rating: 94 | Rank: #11 CB

    PREDICTION: Artie gives us the bat signal!
    STATUS: Artie has made his verbal commitment to the Miami Hurricanes!
    ___________________________________________________________
    6. MacKensie Alexander | 5-10/175/4.40 | Immokalee, FL | Rating: 97 | Rank: #4 CB

    PREDICTION: Alexander will play college ball with his brother, but not at Miami.
    STATUS: No Change. UM not in Top 7. Brother made verbal commitment to FSU.
    ___________________________________________________________
    7. Tim Williams | WDE | 6-3/225 | Baton Rouge, LA | Rated: 95 | Rank: #2 WDE

    PREDICTION: Canes steal a BIG one from the SEC.
    STATUS: No Change. Tim has recently attended camp at LSU and FSU. Down to Miami, LSU, Alabama, FSU and USC. Tim will attend Rising Senior Day at UM on Aug. 12.
    ___________________________________________________________
    8. Jermaine Grace | OLB | 6-1/195 | Hollywood, FL | Rating: 89 | Rank: #24 OLB

    PREDICTION: Jermaine joins his buddies on the next championship team at Miami.
    STATUS: No Change. Jermaine has recently camped at Tennessee. He has a Top 6. Appears to be Miami, Tennessee or FSU.
    ___________________________________________________________
    9. Eddie Vanderdoes |DT | 6-4/309 | Auburn, CA. |Rating: 95 | Rank: #4 DT

    PREDICTION: Eddie will quack like a duck.
    STATUS: Eddie has made his verbal commitment to USC.
    ___________________________________________________________
    10. Richy Klepal | OT | 6-3/283 | Tampa, FL | Rating: 89 | Rank: #38 OT

    PREDICTION: Richy keeps the pipeline open to Tampa.
    STATUS: (7/17/12) Richy gave FSU his verbal commitment.
    ___________________________________________________________
    11. Alquadin Muhammad | SDE | 6-4/230/4.65 | Ramsey, NJ | Rating: 95 | Rank: #3 SDE

    PREDICTION: The luck of the Irish prevails. Muhammad commits to Notre Dame.
    STATUS: Top 4 of Michigan, Notre Dame, Rutgers and So. Car.
    ___________________________________________________________
    12. Stacy Coley |WR | 6-1/175/4.57 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Rating: 95 | Rank: #3 WR

    PREDICTION: Coley pledges to FSU.
    STATUS: Top 3 of FSU, Marshall and USF.
    ___________________________________________________________
    13. Quinton James | RB-ILB | 6-2/215 | Kennesaw, GA. | Rating: 86 | Rank: #35 ILB

    PREDICTION: All Canes.
    STATUS: “Miami has the lead with Georgia Tech close behind in second. He went down last month for his first visit and really connected well with the coaches. Now he plans to return again later this month (Rising Senior Day?) with a decision coming before his season starts.”
    ___________________________________________________________
    14. Jayron Kearse | 6-4/185 | Ft. Myers, FL. | Rating: 90 | Rank: #25 Ath.

    PREDICTION: Jayron will wear orange...Clemson orange.
    STATUS: Decision coming on Aug. 3. UM trails both Auburn and Clemson.
    ___________________________________________________________
    15. Jaynard Bostwick |SDE | 6-4/280 | Port St. Lucie, FL. | Rating: 88 | Rank: #18 SDE

    PREDICTION: Bostwick signs with Miami.
    STATUS: UM leads UF and Oregon. Will he be at Rising Senior Day, a good indicator of his interest in Miami.
    ___________________________________________________________
    16. A.J. Turman | RB | 6-0/197 | Orlando, FL. | Rating: 94 | Rank: #11 RB

    PREDICTION: Our need for RB depth will win out over FSU. Our distance from his home will win out over the Vols. A.J. signs with Miami.
    STATUS: Top 4 of FSU, UGA, Tennessee and Miami. Will he be at Rising Senior Day, a good indicator of his interest in Miami?
    ___________________________________________________________
    17. Derrick Calloway | DT | 6-1/300 | 5.29 | Bradenton, FL | Rating: NR | Rank: NR

    PREDICTION: If USC offers, he goes back to the west coast. If not, we have a good chance. I’m afraid he’ll be moving again.
    STATUS: Named Top 3 of Arkansas, USF and USC.
    ___________________________________________________________
    18. Jordan Sherit | WDE | 6-4/240 | Tampa, FL. | Rating: 91 | Rank: #11 WDE

    PREDICTION: I may be bias, but in the end, Jordan wears Green and Orange.
    STATUS: Jordan has given his verbal commitment to Florida.
    ___________________________________________________________
    19. Donta Wilkins | DT | 6-2/305 | Dumfries, VA. | Rating: 90 | Rank: #18 DT

    PREDICTION: Wilkins signs with UVA.
    STATUS: Wilkins has given his verbal commitment to UVA on 6/21.
    ___________________________________________________________
    20. David Williams | RB | 6-1/183 | Philadelphia, PA | Rating: 92 | Rank: #12 RB

    PREDICTION: Williams signs with Penn State.
    STATUS: Top 2 of PSU and South Carolina, with Tennessee and Wisconsin still in the mix. Dropped UM from consideration.
    ___________________________________________________________
    21. Levonte Whitfield | WR | 5-9/165 | Orlando, FL. | Rating: 88 | Rank:

    PREDICTION: Whitfield signs with FSU.
    STATUS: Top 6 of Clemson, UF, FSU, UM, OSU and WVU.
    ___________________________________________________________
    22. DeSean Smith | TE | 6-4/224 | Lake Charles, LA. | Rating: 94 | Rank: #4 TE

    PREDICTION: Smith signs with LSU.
    STATUS: Smith gave his verbal commitment to LSU on 7/2/12
    ___________________________________________________________
    23. Jordan Cunningham | WR |6-3/175 |Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Rating: 88 | Rank: #60 WR

    PREDICTION: Cunningham signs with Miami.
    STATUS: Down to Miami, Stanford, Notre Dame, Florida State, according his coach. Will he be at Rising Senior Day, a good indicator of his interest in Miami?
    ___________________________________________________________
    24. Michael Parker | Ath. | 6-4/195 | Nokesville, VA. | Rating: 90 | Rank: #23 Ath.

    PREDICTION: Parker signs with Virginia Tech.
    STATUS: Down to Miami, Maryland and WVU, with UM in the lead. Will he be at Rising Senior Day, a good indicator of his interest in Miami?
    ___________________________________________________________
    25. Jeremy Kerr | TE | 6-5/241 | St. Petersburg, FL. | Rating: 77 | NR

    PREDICTION: Signs with Miami
    STATUS: Kerr gave his verbal commitment to Miami on June 11th.
    ___________________________________________________________

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    It's five o'clock somewhere!!!

    Len Mags