University of Miami Football Signees Announced

Feb. 7, 2007

Watch the Signing Day Press Conference – Pay-Per-View – $4.95

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami head football coach Randy Shannon announced the Hurricanes’ 2007 signees as 18 student-athletes signed letters of intent today to play football for the Hurricanes.

Head coach Randy Shannon described his first recruiting class. “We wanted high-quality people first and foremost. Second, we wanted solid student-athletes, players who will work in the classroom. We wanted big-time athletes, which is one thing this program has always had. That’s how you win games. And we wanted winners from winning high school programs. We’re excited about this class. From top to bottom we filled our needs. We will have a lot of competition this year.”

Traditionally a program that recruits heavily in South Florida while also scanning the nation for top talent, Miami stayed true to that again this year. The Hurricanes signed nine players from the state of Florida, including seven from South Florida. Miami maintained its status as a national recruiter with a geographically diverse class that includes signees from eight different states. Two players from both Tennessee and Texas, and one player each from Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Nebraska signed to play for the Hurricanes football squad.

This year’s class includes two U.S. Army All-Americans, one Parade All-American and Florida’s Mr. Football.

*Enrolled at UM for the spring 2007 semester

Geographic Breakdown
Florida: 9, Tennessee: 2, Texas: 1, Colorado: 1, Georgia: 1, Mississippi: 1, South Carolina: 1, Nebraska: 1.

Position Breakdown
DB – 5, WR -3, RB – 3, OL – 3, DL – 1, QB – 1, LB – 1.

Pronunciations

DANIEL ADDERLEY
Wide Receiver, 6-6, 215
Simpsonville, S.C. / Simpsonville Southside Christian School

Rising talent who could be a real sleeper. Fast and tough player who has been compared by his high school coach to USC’s Dwayne Jarrett. Aggressive as a receiver. Exceptional athlete who played just one season at Simpsonville, appearing in just four games because of broken collarbone. In those four games, made 27 catches for 459 yards and five touchdowns. As a junior in 2005, caught 33 passes for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. Didn’t play organized football until his sophomore year of high school, when he was a reserve at Mesquite (Texas) Poteet High School, catching 15 passes for 280 yards. Raised in the Bahamas and attended the same high school as current Hurricane Ian Symonette. Coached by Dexter Davis, a former cornerback with the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams.

ALLEN BAILEY
Linebacker, 6-4, 255
Darien, Ga. / McIntosh County Academy HS

One of the nation’s most sought-after defenders. Recruited as a linebacker but could eventually play defensive end. Relentless player who patterns his play after former Hurricane Ray Lewis. Punishing linebacker who has great work habits. As a senior in 2006, played in only four games due to a stress fracture in his back (he has fully recovered). Had one sack. As a junior, posted 138 tackles (77 solo), five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and three sacks. Also played fullback and scored four touchdowns, carrying 51 times for 323 yards. Grew up among approximately 60 residents of Hog Hammock on Georgia’s Sapelo Island. Chose Miami over Florida, Alabama and Georgia. Coached by Robbie Robinson.
Rated the No. 7 defensive end and the No. 20 player overall by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 7 strongside defensive end, the No. 6 player in Georgia and the No. 95 player overall by Rivals.com. Ranked in the Tampa Tribune “Best of the South” and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution “Super Southern 100.” Member of Allen Wallace’s PrepStar 100 team.

DAMIEN BERRY
Defensive Back, 5-11, 197
Belle Glade, Fla. / Glades Central HS

Son of former Hurricane Kenny Berry (1987-89). Played running back in high school but will be a defensive back in college. Speedy player played at Suncoast High School his first three years, then transferred to Glades Central. As a senior in 2006, rushed for 1,080 yards and 19 touchdowns. Suffered a torn ACL and partially torn MCL and PCL in the fifth game of the season but continued to play (underwent surgery on December 26). As a junior at Suncoast High School, missed two games because of a knee injury but still had 530 yards rushing and five touchdowns to go along with three interceptions on defense. As a sophomore, had four interceptions, more than 500 rushing yards and 300 more all-purpose yards, finishing with 14 total touchdowns. Chose Miami over Louisiana State, UCLA, Auburn, Florida, Florida State and Rutgers. Coached by Willie Snead.
Rated the No. 7 safety prospect and No. 14 on the Florida Top 100 by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 27 safety and No. 26 on the Florida Hot 100 by Scout.com. Rated the No. 26 player in Florida and the No. 42 defensive back in the nation by SuperPrep. In the state of Florida, ranked No. 9 by the Orlando Sentinel and No. 19 by the St. Petersburg Times.

JARED CAMPBELL
Defensive Back, 6-1, 195
Aurora, Colo. / Overland HS

The brother of Hurricanes star defensive end Calais Campbell. Has two other older brothers who have played D-1 football and another in junior college. Talented two-way player in high school. Physical player who has very good instincts and has been compared to a Ronnie Lott-type of safety. As a running back, gained 1,004 yards on 119 carries, scoring 13 touchdowns. On defense, made 60 tackles and two interceptions. Named first-team All-Conference on defense and second-team on offense. Helped his team to a 7-4 record. As a junior at Golden (Colo.) HS, was named first-team All-Conference after totaling more than 850 yards of offense. Chose Miami over Washington, Colorado, Colorado State, Utah and Wyoming. Coached by Tony Manfredi.
Rated the No. 49 cornerback by Scout.com. Rated the No. 63 player in the 11-state Midlands by Allen Wallace’s SuperPrep.

LEE CHAMBERS
Running Back, 6-1, 200
Coffeeville, Miss. / Coffeeville HS

Perimeter speed back who can return kickoffs and punts, line up in the slot, catch the ball out of the backfield and run. All-purpose player who has breakaway speed. Is patient, reads blocks and has a second gear. Miss Dandy Dozen, meaning he is one of the top 12 players in the state of Mississippi. Finished his 2006 senior season with 1,325 yards and 19 touchdowns. As a junior, had 178 rushing attempts for 1,543 yards with 19 touchdowns. On defense playing linebacker and safety made 57 tackles, one sack and returned an interception for a touchdown. Chose Miami over Mississippi State, Mississippi and Alabama. Coached by David Baughman.
Ranked the No. 9 running back in the nation and the No. 54 player overall by Scout.com. Rated the No. 9 all-purpose back and the No. 8 player in the state of Mississippi by Rivals.com.

GRAIG COOPER
Running Back, 6-0, 195
Memphis, Tenn. / Melrose HS and Milford Prep

Mr. Football in Tennessee as a senior in 2005. Spent the fall at Milford Prep and led the team in rushing with 1,327 yards and 15 touchdowns in eight games, averaging 12.5 yards per carry (missed two games with neck and hamstring injuries). Beat out fellow top recruit LeSean McCoy to become the team’s top ballcarrier. Talented tailback who possesses an excellent combination of athletic ability, speed and change-of-direction skills. Is also a very good receiver and can return kicks. Selected first-team All-State in 2005, when he led his team to the state championship. Rushed for 2,123 yards and 30 touchdowns, averaging more than 7.0 yards per carry. Also gained 291 yards on receptions, with two more TDs. As a junior, rushed for 1,981 yards and 19 touchdowns. Returned three punts for touchdowns in 2004 but did not play special teams as a senior. Attended high school in Oklahoma as a freshman and sophomore, starting at cornerback. Compares himself to Reggie Bush. Was called a “human highlight film” by his coach. In high school often lined up as a slot receiver. Comes from the same high school that produced CB Carlos Armour. Enrolled at UM in January Chose Miami over Oklahoma State, Tennessee and Mississippi. Coached by Chester Flowers Jr. in high school and Bill Chaplick in prep school.
In 2007, ranked the No. 6 running back by Scout.com. In 2006 was ranked the No. 4 overall player in the state of Tennessee by Rivals.com, rated the No. 10 running back by Scout.com, and ranked the No. 28 running back by ESPN. PrepStar All-American.

ORLANDO FRANKLIN
Offensive Lineman, 6-7, 320
Delray Beach, Fla. / Atlantic HS

Dominating lineman who was a 2006 recruit and took summer classes at UM before learning that he would have to re-take two high school English classes. Has great natural athletic ability. Has speed to go with long arms and quick feet. Did not allow any sacks as a senior in 2005, his only season at Atlantic HS. Is also a very good run blocker. Moved to Florida as a junior from Canada, and is originally from Jamaica. Chose Miami over Georgia, Florida and Florida State. Coached by Chris Bean.
In 2006, was rated a four-star prospect and the No. 23 offensive tackle by Rivals.com, and was ranked the No. 2 offensive tackle on the Florida Times-Union Super 75.

HARLAND GUNN
Center/Guard, 6-3, 300
Omaha, Neb. / Central HS

Highly touted offensive lineman with speed, quickness and great strength. Powerful player who can knock defensive linemen off the ball. Played tackle in high school but is projected as a center. His college coach says Gunn reminds him of Dave Rimington, who is also from Omaha. Attended the same high school as Gale Sayers, Ahman Green, Calvin Jones and Keith Jones. Chose Miami over Nebraska. Coached by Joe McMenamin and Jay Ball.
Rated the No. 8 center by Rivals.com and the No. 6 guard and No. 63 player in the country by Scout.com. Rated the No. 5 player in the Midlands and the No. 8 offensive lineman in the country by SuperPrep.

LEONARD HANKERSON
Wide Receiver, 6-3, 197
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. / St. Thomas Aquinas HS

The best wide receiver coming out of Broward County this year and one of the more physically impressive wideouts in the state. All-Broward County selection that has a knack for coming up with the big play. Tall wide receiver with speed who averaged more than 20 yards per catch his last two seasons. As a senior in 2006, caught 39 passes for 803 yards and 14 touchdowns. Team played for the state championship, and he scored on an 85-yard TD reception. As a junior, had 28 receptions for 606 yards, with 14 touchdowns. His position coach was NFL star Cris Carter. Chose Miami over Ohio State, Michigan and Georgia. Coached by George Smith.
Rated the No. 43 wide receiver and the No. 20 player on the Florida Hot 100 by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 28 wide receiver by Scout.com. Rated the No. 27 player in Florida and the No. 26 wide receiver in the nation by SuperPrep. Ranked the No. 33 player in the state by the St. Petersburg Times and the No. 73 player by the Orlando Sentinel. Member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100.

TYLER HORN
Offensive Lineman, 6-5, 290
Memphis, Tenn. / University HS

Versatile offensive lineman who has tremendous upside. Sleeper is very athletic with good feet. His high school team won back-to-back state championships when he was a sophomore and junior, and the team lost in the first round of the playoffs in 2006, finishing with a 5-6 record. Started as a junior and senior and played significantly as a sophomore. Voted the team’s MVP after the 2006 season. Young player who is still only 17 years old. Played offensive tackle in high school but can also play center. Played center as a sophomore and was a backup center as a junior and senior. Played varsity basketball as a junior. Chose Miami over Arkansas, Louisville and Florida International. Coached by Bobby Alston.

ROBERT MARVE
Quarterback, 6-1, 190
Tampa, Fla. / Plant HS

Florida’s Mr. Football in 2006 and a member of the Parade All-America team. Pro-style quarterback who also can run. Has good mobility, a quick release and can throw on the run. Set Florida state records in 2006, breaking Tim Tebow’s marks for passing yards (4,380) and touchdowns (48), and broke a 31-year year old state record for completions (280). Son of Eugene Marve, who was a linebacker for 12 years with the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a senior, completed 278 of 420 passes (66.2 percent), with just 13 interceptions. In the Class 4A state championship game, helped his team to victory with 30 completions in 46 attempts for 305 yard and three TDs. As a junior in 2005, passed for 1,813 yards and 14 touchdowns on 103 of 187 passing. He also rushed for 393 yards and three scores. Started for the first time as a sophomore, when he threw for 903 yards and seven TDs. Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds. Chose Miami over Alabama. Coached by Robert Weiner.
Rated the No. 8 quarterback in the nation and No. 20 on the Florida Top 100 by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 14 quarterback, the No. 77 player in the nation overall and the No. 5 player on the Florida Hot 100 by Scout.com. Rated the No. 11 quarterback by SuperPrep. Member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100. Ranked the No. 5 player in the state by the Orlando Sentinel, the No. 6 player by the St. Petersburg Times and the No. 14 player on the Tampa Tribune “Best of the South.”

JERMAINE McKENZIE
Wide Receiver, 6-2, 170
Bradenton, Fla. / Bradenton Academy

Natural wide receiver from a small private high school. Has vision and moves to score any time he gets the ball. Very fast player who can leap and catch the ball. Cousin of former Hurricanes running back Dyral McMillan. As a senior in 2006, played mostly wingback in his school’s Wing-T offense and had 33 rushes for 345 yards and four touchdowns, adding 17 receptions for 380 yards and four more TDs. Also had seven punt returns for touchdowns (four others called back due to penalty). Averaged 20 yards every time he touched the ball as a senior, whether it was run, catch or punt return. Attended St. Peter Catholic High School his first three years. Also is an excellent basketball player, averaging more than 20 points per game. Chose Miami over Alabama, Florida State, Auburn, West Virginia and Kansas. Coached by Brad Johnson.
Rated the No. 16 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 17 player on the Florida Top 100 by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 32 wide receiver and the No. 22 player on the Florida Hot 100 by Scout.com. Rated the No. 16 player in Florida and the No. 18 wide receiver in the nation by SuperPrep. Rated the No. 20 player in Florida by the St. Petersburg Times.

SHAWNBREY McNEAL
Running Back, 5-11, 190
Dallas, Texas / Madison HS

Extremely fast running back who was a four-year starter. Play-maker who possesses quick feet and an explosive ability to get downfield. Is excellent at returning punts and kickoffs. Catches the ball well out of the backfield. Two-time District MVP and All-State honoree. As a senior in 2006, rushed 139 times for 1,441 yards (10.4-yard average) and 20 touchdowns. Also scored three TDs on receptions. As a junior, gained 1,556 yards and ran for 22 touchdowns. Played running back, wide receiver, cornerback and linebacker in high school. Won back-to-back Texas Class 3A 100-meter titles, running 10.5 as a sophomore and 10.48 as a junior. Chose Miami over Texas A&M, Arkansas, Louisiana State and Texas Tech. Coached by Ron Johnson.
Rated the No. 22 running back in the nation by Rivals.com and the No. 42 player on the Texas Top 100. Ranked the No. 48 running back by Scout.com. Rated the No. 7 running back and the No. 49 player in Texas by SuperPrep.

JOSEPH NICOLAS
Defensive Back, 6-3, 198
Homestead, Fla. / Homestead Senior HS

Stellar high school player with size and athleticism. Can be an outstanding kick returner. As a senior in 2006, caught 32 passes for more than 400 yards with six touchdowns. On defense, had four forced fumbles and one interception. Also returned three kicks for touchdowns. As a junior he caught 32 passes for 480 yards and three touchdowns. On defense had 56 tackles, nine pass breakups and three interceptions. Also stars in basketball in high school and listed basketball offers from the likes of FAU, Tulsa and UTEP. Chose Miami over Rutgers. Coached by Bobby McCray.
Rated the No. 18 player in the state of Florida by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 19 player in Florida by SuperPrep. Rated the No. 30 safety and the No. 61 player in Florida by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 28 player in the state by the Orlando Sentinel, and the No. 30 player in Florida by the St. Petersburg Times.

ADEWALE OJOMO
Defensive End, 6-3, 217
Hialeah, Fla. / Hialeah HS

Quick ball-chasing defensive lineman who has loads of upside potential as a pass rusher. Has athleticism, speed and aggressiveness. As a senior in 2006, made 60 tackles, four sacks and four forced fumbles. As a junior had seven sacks, and in a two-game span against Miami Beach and Northwestern showed his ball-chasing ability with a total of 24 tackles in the two games. Played outside linebacker as a sophomore and junior before moving to defensive end as a senior. Is a cousin of NFL linebacker Akin Ayodele. Chose Miami over North Carolina State, Pittsburgh, Kentucky and Georgia. Coached by Steve Smith.
Ranked the No. 28 weakside defensive end prospect in the nation by Rivals.com and the No. 60 ranked player, regardless of position, in Florida. Rated the No. 26 defensive end and the No. 25 player on the Florida Hot 100 list by Scout.com. Rated the No. 29 player in Florida and the No. 47 defensive lineman in the nation by SuperPrep. Rated the No. 72 player in the state by the Orlando Sentinel.

CHRIS PERRY
Defensive Tackle, 6-3, 319
Keller, Texas / Fossil Ridge HS

One of the best two-way linemen in the nation in 2006. Dominating interior defensive lineman who was recruited by nearly every major school. Is a true force in the middle of the line. Explosive athlete with tremendous strength but is also quick off the ball. Very athletic for his size. Can see, read and diagnose what he sees. Struggled with a sprained ankle all season but was named first-team All-District as a senior in 2006, when he had three sacks and was constantly battling double- and triple-teams. Helped his team to a 10-2 record. Says his idol is former Hurricane Warren Sapp. Chose Miami over Nebraska, Oklahoma, Florida and Notre Dame. Coached by Hal Wasson.
Rated the No. 25 defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 18 defensive tackle and the No. 124 player overall by Scout.com. Rated the No. 22 player in Texas and the No. 30 offensive lineman in the country by SuperPrep.

DeMARCUS VAN DYKE
Defensive Back, 6-1, 170
Miami, Fla. / Pace HS

Extremely fast defensive back with height, speed, athleticism and toughness. Finished his senior season in 2006 with 56 tackles and seven interceptions (one returned for a touchdown). Also caught 21 passes for 417 yards. As a junior had 12 passes broken up, four interceptions and two kickoff returns for touchdowns. He played receiver sparingly that year and had eight receptions for 197 yards. Chose Miami over Florida. Coached by Joe Zaccheo.
Ranked the No. 16 athlete and the No. 21 player in Florida by Rivals.com. Rated the No. 15 cornerback and the No. 7 player in the state by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 15 player in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel and the No. 25 player by the St. Petersburg Times. Member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100.
Rated the No. 11 player in Florida and the No. 12 defensive back in the nation by SuperPrep.

DOUG WIGGINS
Defensive Back, 5-11, 180
North Miami Beach, Fla. / North Miami Beach HS

All-around athlete who can play any secondary position and also return kicks. Hard-nosed player who graduated in December and enrolled at UM in January. Cover cornerback with intelligence. Can also return punts and kickoffs. As a senior in 2006, played quarterback and passed for 1,324 yards and 10 touchdowns, helping his team to a 10-3 record and a state semifinal appearance. Also played cornerback, but teams rarely threw his way. As a junior, threw for 13 touchdowns as a quarterback and made seven interceptions as a safety. His extended family includes cousins Udonis Haslem (Miami Heat forward), E.J. Biggers (Western Michigan football player), Tranell Morant (former Florida signee) and uncle Reggie Biggers (played basketball for Wisconsin). Chose Miami over North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Oklahoma and South Carolina. Coached by Jeff Bertani.
Rated the nation’s No. 4 cornerback and the No. 33 overall prospect by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 17 cornerback prospect, the No. 119 player overall and the No. 44 player on the Florida Hot 100 list by Scout.com. Rated the No. 55 player in the state of Florida by SuperPrep. Ranked the No. 34 player in the state by the Orlando Sentinel and is a member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100.