University of Miami Football Signees Announced

Feb. 2, 2005

2005 Signing Day Video

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami head football coach Larry Coker announced the Hurricanes’ 2005 signees as 17 student-athletes signed letters of intent to play football for the Hurricanes as of 3 p.m. today.

“We have an outstanding class of recruits, a very quality group of young athletes,” said Coker. “I’m really impressed by the outstanding academics of the entire class, in addition to the athleticism and speed of the players. I’m very appreciative of the effort made by the coaches in recruiting, as well as by the university’s professors when the players visited us as far as their academic needs. It’s a great group and will be an exciting class, one of which all Hurricane fans will be tremendously proud.”

Traditionally a program that recruits heavily in South Florida while also scanning the nation for top talent, Miami stayed true to that tradition again this year. The Hurricanes have signed 12 players from the state of Florida, including eight from South Florida. Miami maintained its status as a national recruiter as the class was geographically diverse with signees from five different states. Two players from Texas and one player each from New Jersey, Georgia and Iowa have signed to play for the Hurricanes football squad. The group includes two Parade All-Americans and five SuperPrep All-Americans.

2005 University of Miami Hurricanes Football Signees

*Enrolled at UM for the spring 2005 semester

Geographic Breakdown
Florida: 12, Texas: 2, Georgia: 1, Iowa: 1, New Jersey: 1.

Position Breakdown
DL – 3, LB – 4, OL – 4, ATH – 1, TE – 1, DB – 3, RB – 1.

Luqman Abdallah
Defensive Tackle, 6-4, 310
Princeton, New Jersey / The Hun School and Trenton Central HS

Strong but quick off the ball interior lineman who has the frame to be a dominating player. Has the size needed to play inside on the major college level. Just starting to learn the nuances of defensive line play. Played at Trenton Central High, then was going to enroll at Division I-AA Ursinis College (Pa.) when he was accepted at The Hun School, a preparatory academy in Princeton, N.J. Also started on the offensive line as a guard. As a senior, finished with 75 tackles, 10 sacks and five forced fumbles. As a junior, made more than 70 tackles and eight sacks.

Rated a four-star prospect by Rivals.com as a prep school player.

Chose Miami over Virginia Tech, Rutgers, Michigan State, Wake Forest and Florida. Coached by Dave Dudeck.

Name pronounced: LUKE-mon AB-dull-uh

From Greg Mark: “He’s tough, a big, agile athlete who was doing post-graduate work at The Hun School the last year, which means he has that extra year of maturity. He’s a late developer who really took off in 2004. He’s an athlete, explosive off the ball. He’s a wide body.”

Spencer Adkins
Linebacker, 6-0, 228
Naples, Florida / Naples HS

One of the top defensive prospects in the state. Strong, smart, extremely fast and a hard worker. Can dominate his competition with an incredibly quick first step. Can close on a quarterback as well as any pass rusher in the country. An excellent blitzer coming off the edge. Also can make big plays in the backfield. Has a great combination of power and speed. As a senior, made 11 sacks (four in one game) and 19 tackles for a loss. As a junior, had 80 tackles and 12 sacks, including a great performance in the state title game. Didn’t play organized football until high school. Emerged as a defensive end as a sophomore and began playing linebacker as a junior. Considered the best player ever to come out of Naples HS.

Rated as the No. 7 outside linebacker in the nation and No. 87 in the nation regardless of position by Rivals.com. Ranked as the No. 62 overall prospect and the No. 10 linebacker by Scout.com. Ranked as the No. 4 prospect in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel, the No. 1 linebacker prospect in the South by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the No. 4 overall prospect by the Tampa Tribune, and the No. 48 overall prospect by Tom Lemming. Member of the PrepStar Top 100 Dream Team and the Florida Times-Union Super 75.

Chose Miami over Florida, Florida State and Georgia. Coached by Bill Kramer.

From Vernon Hargreaves: “He’s explosive and runs well. He played defensive end in high school but also played some in the middle. He understands football very well and is a great student. He’s very athletic.”

CHRISTOPHER BARNEY
Offensive Lineman, 6-6, 332
Miami, Florida / Northwestern HS

Huge, talented offensive tackle prospect with exceptional athletic ability. Has earned comparisons to another Hurricanes lineman from Northwestern High School, Vernon Carey. Knowledgeable player who made the offensive adjustments for the line in high school. Moves well for his size, has long arms and a big frame. Quick off the ball and is equally talented at both run and pass blocking. Graded out at 92 percent as a senior. Played in the postseason CaliFlorida Bowl.

Member of the PrepStar Top 100 Dream Team. Rated the nation’s No. 18 offensive tackle prospect by Rivals.com. Selected All-Dade County and ranked as the No. 7 prospect in Dade County by the Miami Herald, the No. 15 prospect in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel, member of the Florida Times-Union Super 75, and the No. 32 prospect in the country by the Tampa Tribune.

Chose Miami over North Carolina State, Kansas and Rutgers. Coached by Roland Smith.

From: Art Kehoe: “He’s a big, talented kid with excellent feet. He has been well-coached and could be outstanding. He has unbelievable upside. He could play either guard or tackle.”

DajLeon Farr
Tight End, 6-6, 235
Galena Park, Texas / North Shore HS

One of the nation’s top-rated tight ends who fits the prototype. Incredible athlete who was utilized mainly as a blocker in high school, but is also a fine pass receiver. Versatile player who is an amazing blocker in the running game who has a great attitude. Has outstanding technique, the quickness to get to the edge on blocks, remarkable speed and a quick burst. Huge target in the passing game has soft hands. Runs the 40 in 4.55. Also played defensive end in high school. As a senior in 2004, caught four passes for 160 yards. As a junior, caught seven passes for 166 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown in which he broke two tackles. Played in the Army All-American Bowl.

Selected to the PrepStar Top 100 Dream Team. Rated as the No. 3 tight end and No. 28 overall prospect by Scout.com, the No. 3 tight end and No. 55 overall prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 57 overall prospect by Tom Lemming.

Chose Miami over: Louisiana State. Coached by David Aymond.

Name pronounced: DAY-el-on

From: Mario Cristobal: “He combines size, speed, athleticism, power and explosiveness. He’s the total all-around package. He comes from a top high school football program, and he’s right in line with all the great tight ends to come from UM. He will be expected to play right away. He’s an impact player. He can line up at tight end, wide receiver, fullback and H-back. He is a very good receiver. He showed that at the practices for All-America All-Star game.”

Richard Gordon
Athlete, 6-4, 242
Miami, Florida / Norland HS

One of the more physically impressive athletes in the country. Has size, speed and athleticism. As a senior in 2004, played in just five games because of a high blood pressure problem. On defense, made 35 tackles, one fumble recovery and one sack, and played receiver on offense, scoring two touchdowns. After the season, was selected to play in the CaliFlorida Bowl. As a junior, played mostly tight end. Also competed in basketball and track (4×100 relay). Hails from the same high school that produced Hurricanes stars such as Andre Johnson and Roscoe Parrish. Can run the 40 in 4.6.

Rated the No. 20 overall prospect in Florida regardless of position by Rivals.com, and the No. 15 defensive end by Scout.com. Ranked as the No. 4 prospect in Dade County by the Miami Herald, the No. 56 overall prospect by the Orlando Sentinel, the No. 16 overall prospect by the Tampa Tribune, and the No. 4 defensive end prospect in the South by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Chose Miami over Florida, Florida State and South Florida. Coached by Nigel Dunn.

From Larry Coker: “Richard is an extremely versatile athlete who has played almost every position on the field.”

Courtney Harris
Defensive Lineman, 6-4, 230
Jupiter, Florida / Jupiter HS

Talented defensive end who is a relentless pass rusher. Is difficult to block and has unlimited potential. Has a solid physique and a big motor to match it. Explosive off the snap, allowing him to win most one-on-one matchups outside. Can run to the other sideline if teams run away from him. As a senior in 2004, notched seven sacks. Finished his junior season, his first as a starter, with more than 70 tackles and 10 sacks. Has been timed at 4.7 in the 40. Also played basketball.

Member of the PrepStar Top 100 Dream Team. Rated the No. 82 player in the nation regardless of position and the No. 4 weakside defensive end by Rivals.com. Ranked as the No. 25 defensive end by Scout.com. The No. 19 overall prospect by the Tampa Tribune, the No. 29 prospect in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel, and a member of the Florida Times-Union Super 75.

Chose Miami over Florida, Louisiana State, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio State and Michigan. Coached by Charles Persson.

From Greg Mark: “He’s a typical pass-rushing defensive end, though maybe not as physically mature yet. He will grow to be a 265- or 270-pound defensive end. He runs really well and will fill in where our traditional defensive ends have come from.”

Eric Houston
Linebacker, 6-2, 220
Miami, Florida / Coral Reef HS

Sleeper heading into his senior season who led Dade and Broward counties with 110 solo tackles as a senior. One of the state’s most sought-after players. Fast and aggressive player who received All-Dade recognition as a senior when he totaled 131 tackles. Also forced six fumbles and made two fumble recoveries. Had 90 tackles as a junior and 80 as a sophomore. Played in the CaliFlorida Bowl. Was in his school’s magnet art program and has won awards for his work.

Rated the nation’s No. 16 inside linebacker by Rivals.com, as well as the No. 40 overall prospect by the Tampa Tribune. Member of the Florida Times-Union Super 75

Chose Miami over Florida State, North Carolina State, Florida, Boston College and West Virginia. Coached by Ron Butler.

From Vernon Hargreaves: “He’s a tackler who understands the game. He’s a pure linebacker, a smart kid who wants to be a Hurricane.”

Bruce Johnson
Defensive Back, 6-0, 170
Live Oak, Florida / Suwannee HS

Speedy cornerback who is the nephew of current Hurricane cornerback Kelly Jennings. Versatile play-maker who has the speed to play man-to-man coverage but is also strong and physical enough to play against strong receivers. As a senior in 2004, he played both ways, making 44 solo tackles, 17 assists, two forced fumbles, one recovered fumble, 12 passes broken up and two interceptions. He also blocked three kicks. On offense, he had 39 receptions for 579 yards and three TDs and rushed 11 times for 66 yards. As a junior, he tallied 44 tackles and two interceptions on defense and 42 receptions for 752 yards and four touchdowns on offense. In his sophomore year, he had 27 catches for 407 yards. Selected for the postseason CaliFlorida Bowl.

Rated as the nation’s No. 4 cornerback prospect by Scout.com and the No. 12 cornerback prospect by Rivals.com. Ranked as the No. 28 overall prospect by the Tampa Tribune and the No. 71 prospect in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel. Member of the Florida Times-Union Super 75.

Chose Miami over Auburn and Clemson. Coached by Jay Walls.

From Tim Walton: “He’s smart and very fast, he has lots of speed. He could play cornerback, nickel or dime for us.”

Joe Joseph
Defensive Tackle / 6-4, 270
Orlando, Florida / Oak Ridge HS

Excellent pass rusher who played end and tackle in high school, but projects as a tackle on the college level. Hustles to the whistle on every play and has shown exceptional agility for a player his size. Has great footwork and gets leverage against blockers. Was a four-year starter in high school. As a senior in 2003, made 68 tackles (46 solo), including nine for losses, fighting through double-teams for most of the season. Has been timed at 4.9 in the 40-yard dash. Has bench-pressed 325 pounds and has a best of 485 in the squat. Has a best vertical leap of 24 inches

In 2004, was rated the No. 32 prospect in Florida by SuperPrep. Rated the No. 32 defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com. Rated the No. 25 prospect in Florida on Orlando Sentinel Florida Top 100.

Chose Miami over Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee. Coached by Marc Jackson.

From Greg Mark: “He’s a player we were hoping to get last year, but now we finally have him. He’s a big, athletic interior defensive lineman that we needed for depth last year. He’s one of those relentless, lean defensive linemen. He’ll be a 285-, 290-pound presence in there.”

Jerrell Mabry
Fullback / 6-0, 255
Columbus, Georgia / Shaw HS

Huge fullback who can quickly fill a void on UM offense. Talented athlete who can run, catch and block. Has ideal size and quickness to create mismatches with a defense. Has been compared to Jerome Bettis and T.J. Duckett by those who have seen him play. Runs the 40 in 4.75, which is exceptionally fast for his size. As a senior in 2004, rushed for more than 1,200 yards on 160 carries, scoring 19 touchdowns. As a junior, rushed for 1,200 yards and 23 touchdowns on only 150 carries (29 total touchdowns). As a sophomore, rushed for 969 yards and 25 touchdowns. Also participated in track (discus and shot put) and basketball (averaging 10 points and seven rebounds per game this season).

Chose Miami over Georgia and Florida. Coached by Charles Flowers.

From: Don Soldinger: “He’s a one-back/fullback type. He has skills that are unbelievable. He’s talented and smart. He plays at about 247, so he’s a big back with tailback skills. We don’t normally recruit fullback types, but he can do it all – tailback or fullback or one back.”

Kenny Phillips
Defensive Back, 6-2, 195
Miami, Florida / Carol City HS

Nation’s top safety prospect and USA Today Defensive Player of the Year. Projects to play strong safety because he supports the run so well. Physical big hitter and outstanding man-to-man cover defender. Has great range, speed, power and has a nose for the ball, making 16 interceptions in high school. Team leader who has a great understanding of defensive football to go with poise and confidence. As a senior in 2004, played free safety and finished with 84 tackles, six interceptions, three fumble recoveries, four defensive touchdowns and three punt returns for touchdowns. After the season, was chosen to participate in the prestigious Army All-American Bowl as one of the nation’s premier prospects. As a junior, made 54 tackles and seven interceptions, returning two of them for touchdowns, including a 100-yarder. As a sophomore, made three interceptions. Hails from the same high school that produced Willie Williams a year ago. Runs the 40 in 4.43 seconds. Also competed in basketball and track in high school.

Parade All-American and selected to the PrepStar Top 100 Dream Team. Member of USA Today All-USA High School Football team and named the Defensive Player of the Year. Rated the nation’s No. 1 safety prospect and the No. 12 player regardless of position by Rivals.com. Ranked as the No. 1 safety and the No. 10 overall prospect by Scout.com. The No. 1 prospect in Dade County by the Miami Herald. Ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the state by the Orlando Sentinel, the No. 2 overall prospect in the country by the Tampa Tribune, and the No. 10 overall player by Tom Lemming. Member of the Florida Times-Union Super 75

Chose Miami over Tennessee. Coached by Walt Frazier.

From Tim Walton: “He’s a big-time difference-maker. We hope he can make an immediate impact – he has that kind of potential. He’s a safety. He’s huge, almost 6-3, 200 or 205 pounds. He can run and tackle with ball skills. He is the total package. He has the body of Sean Taylor and the knowledge and speed of Ed Reed.”

Randy Phillips
Defensive Back, 6-0, 181
Belle Glade, Florida / Glades Central HS

Excellent prospect with lots of upside potential. Play-maker and hard hitter who projects to be a safety. Has been compared by others to former Hurricane Sean Taylor but compares himself to Ed Reed. As a senior in 2004, was injured (sprained knee) and missed four games for a 12-1 team. Still managed to record 57 tackles and four interceptions while playing safety and cornerback in seven games. Played running back on offense, scoring 11 touchdowns, with 710 yards rushing and six receptions for 85 yards. Averaged 35 yards as a punter. In his junior season, named All-County and racked up 97 tackles, four interceptions and posted an amazing 10 forced fumbles. Played in the postseason CaliFlorida Bowl. Has 4.5 speed in the 40.

Rated the No. 7 safety prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 16 safety by Scout.com. Is the No. 18 prospect by the Tampa Tribune and the No. 57 prospect in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel. Member of the Florida Times-Union Super 75

Chose Miami over Florida and Florida State. Coached by Larry Coffey.

From Tim Walton: “He has great football presence and is versatile. He can play safety, nickel and dime. He has great toughness, lots of speed and lots of football instincts.”

Matt Pipho
Offensive Lineman, 6-6, 256
LaPorte City, Iowa / Union HS

Smart, hard-working lineman who is strong and quick enough to play major college football. Has a big frame and long arms to help him excel at pass blocking. Very muscular for his size and has good mobility.

Named first-team All-Elite State as a senior, which includes all classifications in Iowa. Played defensive end as well, totaling 50 tackles and seven sacks..As a junior, was an All-State Class 3A first-team selection. Played tight end as a sophomore, when he was named All-District before moving to the offensive line. Had two touchdown receptions that year while showing his ability as a blocker. Also played some defensive end. Participated in track and basketball, too. First player in his town (population 2,500) to attend a Division I-A program. Plans to take pre-med courses at Miami and eventually become a radiologist.

Rated as the No. 38 offensive tackle prospect in the nation by Rivals.com.

Chose Miami over Stanford. Coached by Matt Hubbard.

Name pronounced: PEE-po

From: Art Kehoe: “He’ll be an outstanding player for us. He’s smart, flexible, athletic and agile, and he has a lot of toughness. He’s smart, a pre-med major. He played tight end as a junior and is a double-double guy on the basketball team. He has a good finish and can grow.”

Darryl Sharpton
Linebacker, 6-0, 210
Coral Gables, Florida / Coral Gables HS

A star on both offense and defense throughout his high school career. Reminds people of former UM standout Jonathan Vilma, who hailed from the same high school. Intelligent, quick linebacker who can run, cover ground and move laterally. Outstanding special teams player, who, as a linebacker, also returned kickoffs and blocked punts. As a senior in 2004, finished the season with 96 tackles (three for loss), two interceptions and four blocked punts. Called the defenses. Selected to play in the CaliFlorida Bowl, but declined the invitation. As a junior, had 110 tackles and one interception for a touchdown. After running track following his junior season, improved his speed to 4.5 in the 40. Was in his high school’s International Baccalaureate program.

Ranked as the nation’s No. 28 outside linebacker prospect by Rivals.com. Chosen All-Dade County and ranked as the No. 10 prospect in Dade County by the Miami Herald. Was the No. 90 prospect in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel and the No. 48 overall prospect by the Tampa Tribune. Member of the Florida Times-Union Super 75.

Chose Miami over Stanford, Boston College, Massachusetts and Brown. Coached by Joe Montoya.

From Vernon Hargreaves: “He’s extremely smart. He has great reaction and instincts and he plays hard. He lives to play the game. He plays with intensity and could play inside or outside. He brings the lumber.”

Demetri Stewart
Linebacker, 6-3, 199
Oakland Park, Florida / Northeast HS

Tremendous athlete who graduated high school early and is enrolled at UM for the spring semester. Quick and versatile impact player. Is only 17 years old and is a year ahead of his class after skipping fifth grade when he moved to the U.S. from Jamaica. Had never played football until moving from Jamaica, where he played soccer. Began playing varsity football as a high school sophomore and had four interceptions. As a junior, moved from safety to defensive end, making 10 sacks, 12 tackles for losses and 76 tackles. As a senior in 2004 in his first season as a linebacker, made 97 tackles, five sacks, six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in nine games. Runs the 40 in 4.5.

Rated the nation’s No. 16 outside linebacker prospect by Rivals.com. Ranked as the No. 6 prospect in Broward County by the Miami Herald, the No. 59 prospect in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel, and the No. 31 prospect by the Tampa Tribune.

Chose Miami over Auburn and Oklahoma. Coached by Adam Ratkevich.

From Vernon Hargreaves: “He’s a young player. He’s very athletic and runs well. He was a defensive end in high school who needs to learn the position, but once he does that he’ll be fine. He’s in school now, so that gives him a little advantage in that he’ll go through spring practice.”

A.J. Trump
Offensive Lineman, 6-4, 285
Clearwater, Florida / Central Catholic HS

One of the top-rated offensive linemen who could play anywhere on the offensive line. Has exceptional speed, good technique and outstanding footwork. Is a team leader. Began his final high school season at guard before moving to tackle, but played offensive tackle his first three years of high school. As a senior in 2004, graded out at 91 percent, the highest ever for a player at his school. Also played some fullback and played on defense, where he made 81 tackles, 10 sacks, 20 tackles for loss and six sacks as a defensive end, defensive tackle and middle linebacker. Was selected to play in the CaliFlorida Bowl after the season. As a junior, was selected All-County and All-State. Did not play organized football until high school. Has outstanding speed, running the 40 in 4.8 seconds.

Rated the No. 8 offensive guard prospect in the nation by Rivals.com, as well as the No. 27 offensive lineman by Scout.com, the No. 44 prospect in the country by the Orlando Sentinel, the No. 43 overall prospect in the country by the Tampa Tribune, member of the Florida Times-Union Super 75, and the No. 10 offensive line prospect in the South by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Chose Miami over Notre Dame and Florida. Coached by Mike Jalazo.

Reggie Youngblood
Offensive Lineman, 6-5, 280
Houston, Texas / Booker T. Washington HS

Extremely talented offensive tackle with great athleticism and an impressive physique. Could be groomed to take over for Eric Winston at left tackle in another year. Big, strong player who has great footwork and a physical streak. Technically sound offensive tackle who shows remarkable quickness, balance and flexibility. Has exceptional leadership skills and is equally adept at run blocking and pass protecting. After his senior season, was chosen to play in the prestigious Army All-American Bowl. Averaged five pancakes per game as a senior (55 total).

Selected as a Parade All-American. Member of USA Today All-USA High School Football team. Rated the No. 2 tackle in the nation by Rivals.com (No. 9 overall prospect). Ranked the No. 3 offensive lineman and No. 13 overall player by Scout.com. The No. 9 prospect in the country by the Miami Herald, the No. 34 prospect by Tom Lemming, and a member of the PrepStar Top 100 Dream Team.

Chose Miami over Oklahoma. Coached by Joel North.

From: Art Kehoe: “Arguably the No. 1 offensive line prospect in the country and one of the top four or five players in Texas. He’s a scholar athlete. He has long arms and is an excellent pass protector. He turns on the switch when he puts on the pads – he has a nasty streak. He’s a finisher. He’s one of the most coveted offensive lineman at UM since Vernon Carey.”