UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI FOOTBALL SIGNEES ANNOUNCED
Feb. 6, 2008
Watch the Signing Day Press Conference
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami head football coach Randy Shannon announced the Hurricanes’ 2007 signees as 32 student-athletes signed letters of intent today to play football for the Hurricanes (plus one junior college transfer).
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 23 players from the state of Florida, including 18 from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Miami maintained its status as a national recruiter with a geographically diverse class that includes signees from nine different states, including two from California and Tennessee and one from six states.
This year’s class includes four U.S. Army All-Americans, three Parade All-Americans and Florida’s Mr. Football (for the second straight year).
2008 University of Miami Hurricanes Football SigneesNamePositionHt.Wt.HometownHigh School/Prep School/Junior CollegeTravis BenjaminWR5-11160Belle Glades, Fla.Glades Central HSArthur Brown*LB6-1210Wichita, Kan.Wichita East HSRamon BuchananLB6-1181Melbourne, Fla.Palm Bay HSLaron ByrdWR6-3205Boutte, La.Hahnville HSJohn Calhoun*FB6-2233Micco, Fla.Sebastian River HSTheron CollierWR5-9163Miami, Fla.Booker T. Washington HSTaylor CookQB6-7230Eagle Lake, TexasRice Consolidated HSMarcus Forston*DT6-2286Miami, Fla.Northwestern HSJordan FutchLB6-3202Hollywood, Fla.Chaminade Madonna College PrepGavin HardinLB6-4240Jackson, Tenn.Central-Merry HSAntonio HarperLB6-3220Memphis, Tenn.Melrose HSBrandon HarrisCB5-11185Miami. Fla.Booker T. Washington HSJacory Harris*QB6-4170Miami, Fla.Northwestern HSPatrick Hill#*FB5-10248Torrance, Calif.Fairfax HS (Calif.) / El Camino C.C.C.J. HoltonS6-2195Crawfordville, Fla.Wakulla HSAldarius Johnson*WR6-2200Miami, Fla.Northwestern HSDavon JohnsonWR5-11170Miami, Fla.Booker T. Washington HSBen JonesOT6-5280Miami, Fla.Northwestern HSZach KaneFB/LB6-3220Toms River, N.J.Toms River North HSJeremy LewisDT6-3295West Palm Beach, Fla.Palm Beach Lakes HSBrandon MartiLB6-0196Miami, Fla.Gulliver PrepC.J. OdomS6-0210Fort Myers, Fla.Fort Myers HSMicanor RegisDT6-3300Pahokee, Fla.Pahokee HSMarcus RobinsonLB6-2210Homestead, Fla.Homestead HSAndrew SmithDE6-3240Coconut Creek, Fla.Monarch HSCannon Smith*QB5-11200Chatham Va.Olive Branch (Miss.) HS / Hargrave Military AcademySean Spence*LB6-0186Miami, Fla.Northwestern HSTommy StreeterWR6-4190Miami, Fla.Northwestern HSVaughn TelemaqueS6-2190Long Beach, Calif.Long Beach Poly HSKendall ThompkinsWR5-10165Miami, Fla.Northwestern HSBrandon WashingtonG6-4315Miami, Fla.Northwestern HSJake Wieclaw*PK6-2180New Lenox, Ill.Lincoln Way Central HSJoe WylieS6-2172Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.Boyd Anderson
*Enrolled at UM for the spring 2008 semester
# Junior-college transfer
Geographic Breakdown
Florida: 23, California: 2, Tennessee: 2, Illinois: 1, Kansas: 1, Louisiana – 1, New Jersey: 1, Texas: 1, Virginia: 1.
Position Breakdown
LB – 8, WR – 7, S – 4, QB – 3, FB – 3, DT – 3, OT – 1, G- 1, DE – 1, CB – 1, PK – 1.
Pronunciations
Ramon Buchanan: ruh-MONE
Laron Byrd: luh-RON
Theron Collier: ther-RON
Davon Johnson: duh-VON
Brandon Marti: mar-TEE
Micanor Regis: muh-connor REE-gis
Vaughn Telemaque: TELL-uh-mack
Jake Wieclaw: WHY-claw
TRAVIS BENJAMIN
Wide Receiver, 5-11, 160
Belle Glade, Fla. / Glades Central HS
Lightning fast receiver who reminds some observers of former Hurricane Santana Moss and the Carolina Panthers’ Steve Smith. Can play the slot or line up outside to stretch the field. Fluid route runner who can run on end-arounds, run underneath routes, turning a short pass into a long gain. Excellent route runner with good hands who has an excellent vertical jump. Can also return kicks. Two-time All-Palm Beach County selection by Palm Beach Post. Played on a state championship team as a junior and helped lead his team as a senior to an 11-2 record and the Region 4-3A finals before losing to the eventual state champions. As a senior, caught 40 passes for 655 yards and eight touchdowns. In a game against Palm Beach Gardens he gained 339 total yards, with two touchdowns receiving and one each on punt and kickoff returns. As a junior, caught 23 passes for 494 yards and seven touchdowns. Cousin of former UM safety Alphonso Marshall. Chose Miami over South Florida, Florida, Louisiana State and Auburn. Coached by Willie Snead.
Ranked the No. 48 player in Florida and the No. 42 wide receiver in the national by Rivals.com Rated the No. 76 player in Florida and the No. 104 wide receiver by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 21 wide receiver and the No. 144 player overall by ESPN.com. Named to the PrepStar All-Southeast Region team. Ranked 18th overall on the South Florida Top 25 by the Miami Herald. Rated the No. 6 wide receiver in Florida by the Florida Times-Union.
ARTHUR BROWN
Linebacker, 6-1, 210
Wichita, Kan. / Wichita East HS
The nation’s top high school linebacker and the top prospect at any position according to Scout.com. Called a play-maker on defense, he has incredible short-range explosion. Has a fabulous work ethic and is always trying to get better. Thickly built with long arms, with instincts and quick feet, he’s a fierce tackler who has great physical tools. Has great change-of-direction skill and closing speed, giving him the ability to pursue ballcarriers from behind. Played in the U.S. Army All-American game. As a senior in 2007, made 151 tackles, 10 sacks and one fumble recovery for a touchdown, despite missing two games. As a junior in 2006, totaled 132 tackles and 12 sacks. Chose Miami over Louisiana State, Alabama, Southern California and North Carolina. Coached by Brian Byers.
Selected as a Parade All-American and named to USA Today’s All-USA team. EA Sports All-American. Ranked the No. 23 player overall by Rivals.com, the No. 1 player in Kansas and the No. 2 outside linebacker. Rated the No. 5 player in the nation, the No. 1 strongside linebacker and the best player in Kansas by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 6 player overall and the No. 1 outside linebacker by ESPN. Ranked as the No. 5 player in the country by Tom Lemming on CSTV.com. Named the No. 10 player on the PrepStar Top 135 Dream Team.
RAMON BUCHANON
Safety/Linebacker, 6-1, 181
Melbourne, Fla. / Palm Bay HS
Hard-hitting safety/linebacker who played running back and on special teams in high school. Dominating defender who is often compared to Reggie Nelson (Jaguars’ first-round draft choice). Outstanding football prospect who can run and hit. Is more quick than fast and displays range and speed and the ability to chase down backs. In coverage, can match up with back, tight end and slot receivers. As a senior in 2007, he made over 100 tackles with three interceptions this season while playing linebacker and safety. As a junior in 2007, made more than 100 tackles and 10 sacks. Miami over Florida. Coached by Dan Burke.
Ranked the No. 2 safety in the country, as well as No. 10 in Florida and No. 61 over all by Rivals.com. Rated No. 64 in the country by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 3 outside linebacker by ESPN.
LARON BYRD
Wide Receiver, 6-3, 205
Boutte, La. / Hahnville HS
Tall, strong and fast receiver who is considered the second-best receiver in Louisiana. Can go up for the ball, make big catches and stretch the field vertically. As a senior in 2007, caught 50 passes for 630 yards and 13 touchdowns. Also played some safety, making three interceptions, in leading his team to a 10-3 record. As a junior in 2006, made 30 receptions for 447 yards and eight touchdowns. Played primarily defensive back as a freshman and sophomore. Also a standout basketball player, averaging more than 20 points per game as a junior. Chose Miami over Nebraska, Auburn, Mississippi State and Tulane. Coached by Lou Valdin.
Ranked the No. 16 player in Louisiana and the No. 60 wide receiver in the nation by Rivals.com. Rated as the No. 69 wide receiver by Scout.com.
JOHN CALHOUN
Fullback/H-Back, 6-2, 233
Micco, Fla. / Sebastian River HS
One of the best blocking tight ends in the state who is a perfect fit for a college H-back. Talented and smart athlete who played for former Hurricanes tight end Randy Bethel in high school. Saw action at middle linebacker, defensive line and tight end, and late in the season was tried at fullback and H-back. Finished the season with 92 tackles, three sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles. Tough, non-flashy player who has size and athletic ability. Raw but loves contact and has the upper-body strength to be a fine blocker. Two-year starter was a special teams standout. Played for a 3-7 team as a senior in 2007, making 98 tackles and four sacks. Finished the season with an invitation to the Brevard County North-South All-Star game. As a junior in 2006, totaled 121 tackles, three interceptions (two for touchdowns) and five sacks.
Ranked as the No. 17 fullback by ESPN.
THEARON COLLIER
Wide Receiver, 5-9, 163
Miami, Fla. / Booker T. Washington HS
Big-play maker who is compared to former Hurricane Roscoe Parrish and some compare his explosiveness to Devin Hester. Is a natural kick returner, able to find the seams in coverage. Played for the No. 8-ranked high school team in the country as chosen by USA Today. As a senior in 2007, made 33 receptions for 711 yards and seven touchdowns. As a junior in 2006, caught 34 passes for 791 yards and nine touchdowns. Was also an All-State returner, returning six punts for touchdowns. Chose Miami over Auburn, Florida and South Florida. Coached by Tim Harris.
Ranked the No. 92 player in Florida and the No. 92 wide receiver by Rivals.com. Rated the No. 110 wide receiver and the No. 83 player in Florida by Scout.com. Rated the No. 26 wide receiver by ESPN. Named to the PrepStar All-Southeast Region team. Ranked No. 23 on the Miami Herald South Florida Top 25.
TAYLOR COOK
Quarterback, 6-7, 230
Eagle Lake, Texas / Rice Consolidated HS
One of the most underrated and most unique quarterbacks in the 2008 class. Rifle-armed prospect who is a blend of size and athleticism and can make all the throws. Can beat a defense with both arm strength and feet. Haw the raw tools to be groomed into a fine quarterback down the road. Can improvise and make plays. As a senior, completed 103 of 214 passes for 1,598 yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Also rushed for 512 yards and 11 more TDs. Was also a second-team All-State punter with a 42.3-yard average. Took his team to a 13-2 record and the Class 2A state semifinals for the first time ever. Tore the MCL in his left knee in the state semifinals but will be 100 percent well before summer. As a junior in 2006, completed 117 of 236 passes for 1,982 yards, 26 touchdowns and only seven interceptions in leading his team to a 9-3 record. Also ran 56 times for 278 yards and six TDs and was third-team All-State selection. As a sophomore in 2005, was named Offensive Newcomer in his district after completing 77 of 160 passes for 1,178 yards, with 13 TDs and 11 interceptions. Son of a rice farmer and a member of the Texas House of Representatives since 1997. Was selected to play in the Under-Armour All-Star game but did not player after suffering a knee injury in the state playoffs. Also pitched on the baseball team and played center on the basketball team. Chose Miami over Kansas State and SMU. Coached by Brad Dumont.
Ranked the No. 37 quarterback by Rivals.com and the No. 9 quarterback and No. 108 player overall by Scout.com. Selected to the PrepStar All-Midlands Region team and to the Houston Chronicle Top 110.
MARCUS FORSTON
Defensive Tackle, 6-2, 286
Miami, Fla. / Northwestern HS
The top-ranked defensive tackle, he wants to follow in the footsteps of his idol, former Hurricane Warren Sapp. A dominating lineman, he has a great blend of size, power quickness and explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, and he can shed blockers. He has the ability to rush the passer from the interior of the line and has a superior bull rush. Played for the 2007 consensus national championship team as chosen by USA Today and Sports Illustrated. Three-year starter who played in the U.S. Army All-American game. As a senior in 2007, made 92 tackles, 20 sacks and forced seven fumbles while being double-and triple-teamed. Named first-team All-State, he also often lined up at wide receiver and on goal-line situations (he caught one touchdown pass). As a junior in 2006, made 65 tackles and 21 sacks as school won the state championship. His older brother, Dustin, played college football at Mississippi and FAU.Chose Miami over Notre Dame, Southern California, Tennessee and Alabama. Coached by Billy Rolle.
Named a Parade All-American and to USA Today’s All-USA team. EA Sports All-American. Named All-State by Florida Sportswriters Association. Ranked the No. 7 player in the country, the No. 1 defensive tackle and the No. 2 player in Florida by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 1 defensive tackle, the No. 18 player overall and the No. 9 player in Florida by Scout.com. Rated the No. 27 player and the No. 1 defensive tackle by ESPN. Ranked as the No. 4 player in the country by Tom Lemming on CSTV.com. Selected No. 25 on the PrepStar Top 135 Dream Team. Ranked No. 2 on the Miami Herald South Florida Top 25. Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team. Ranked the No. 3 player in Florida and the No. 13 player in the nation by the Tampa Tribune.
JORDAN FUTCH
Linebacker, 6-3, 202
Hollywood, Fla. / Chamanade Madonna College Prep
Follows in the footsteps of his school’s linebackers who previously went to UM, including Jon Beason and Glenn Cook. A play-making outside linebacker who can go sideline to sideline. His intensity, size and speed are his trademarks, and he has great reactions. Could grow into one of the most disruptive linebackers in this class since he has an excellent burst and closing speed. Played some safety in high school and can cover backs and tight ends. Physically impressive linebacker who was one of the top players from Broward County. Has excellent pass-coverage abilities. As a junior in 2006, made 82 tackles (15 for a loss), nine sacks, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, two blocked punts, three blocked field goals and one interception. Chose Miami over Auburn, West Virginia, Georgia and Louisville. Coached by Mark Guandolo.
Ranked the No. 12 player in Florida and the No. 67 player overall by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 15 strongside linebacker and the No. 42 player in Florida by Scout.com. Rated the No. 5 outside linebacker and the No. 77 player overall by ESPN. Named No. 89 on the PrepStar Top 135 Dream Team. Ranked No. 11 on the Miami Herald South Florida Top 25.
GAVIN HARDIN
Linebacker, 6-4, 240
Jackson, Tenn. / Central-Merry HS
Tough middle linebacker who is one of the top players out of Tennessee. Has a great blend of size, speed and aggressiveness to become a disruptive linebacker. Has an outstanding reactive burst and short-range speed to go with raw power, but he can also go sideline to sideline. Could be a dominating edge blitzer and can also play defensive end. As a senior in 2007, made 80 tackles and five sacks. Also played some at fullback. Team finished with a 2-8 record. Was able to show his skills at the Toyota All-Star game, where he had 10 tackles and an interception. As a junior in 2006, made 65 tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles for a 4-6 team. Chose Miami over Mississippi. Coached by Cederic Hampton.
PrepStar All-American. Ranked as the No. 4 player in Tennessee and the No. 289 player in the nation by Scout.com.
ANTONIO HARPER
Linebacker, 6-3, 220
Memphis, Tenn. / Melrose HS
High school linebacker who hails from the same school as Graig Cooper. Can run down quarterbacks with excellent range and ball awareness. Extremely physical player who has tremendous upside. Has great speed and the range to run sideline to sideline. Strong tackler with fine upper-body strength who has good instincts. Has the frame to get bigger. Also played some tight end. As a senior in 2007, suffered a torn ACL and rehabbed throughout the season. As a junior in 2006, made 96 tackles, three interceptions, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Chose Miami over Memphis, Mississippi, Alabama and Illinois. Coached by Hubbard Alexander, a former UM assistant coach.
Ranked the No. 9 player in Tennessee and the No. 56 outside linebacker by Rivals.com. Rated the No. 20 strongside linebacker and the No. 8 player in Tennessee by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 47 defensive end by ESPN.
BRANDON HARRIS
Cornerback, 5-11, 185
Miami, Fla. / Booker T. Washington HS
The best cornerback from Miami-Dade County and the brother of former UM three-time track All-American Tim Harris. Aggressive, competitive and fast, he played cornerback, quarterback, tailback and receiver as a senior in leading his team to the No. 6 national ranking by USA Today. Has very good technique to go with size, speed, quickness and ball awareness. As a senior in 2007, caught 26 passes for 501 yards and eight touchdowns, with 1,069 all-purpose yards. On defense, he made 49 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions (two returned for scores). Also played quarterback in some key situations and completed eight of 17 passes for 230 yards with a touchdown. As a junior in 2006, completed 10 of 10 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns and caught 38 passes for 576 yards and 10 TDs. On defense, made 41 tackles, four sacks and five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns). Played in the inaugural Under Armour All-Star game. Chose Miami over Ohio State, Florida, Central Florida and Louisiana State. Coached by his father, USA Today National Coach of the Year Tim Harris. Nephew of UM director of football operations Corey Bell.
Named Florida Class 6A-4A Male Athlete of the Year, Dade County’s 6A-4A Defensive Player of the Year and Florida’s Gatorade Player of the Year. PrepStar and EA Sports All-American. Ranked the No. 6 player in Florida and No. 38 overall by Rivals.com. Rated the No. 7 player in Florida and No. 43 in the country by Scout.com. Ranked the third-best cornerback and the No. 28 player in the nation by ESPN. Selected to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team.
JACORY HARRIS
Quarterback, 6-4, 170
Miami, Fla. / Northwestern HS
Homegrown star who was named Mr. Florida Football as the best player in the state. Led Northwestern to a 30-0 record, the state championship and the national championship, as chosen by USA Today and Sports Illustrated. Has similar dual-threat skills in the spread as former Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith. In 2007, shattered numerous Miami-Dade County records. Threw 49 touchdown passes against only six interceptions. Completed 222 of 333 passes (66.7 percent) for 3,445 yards. His 49 TD passes broke Robert Marve’s state record and now ranks second in state history. In 2006, set county records with 2,920 yards passing and 38 touchdowns, while completing 194 of 285 passes, with only six interceptions. Named Miami-Dade’s Class 6A-5A Offensive Player of the year by the Miami Herald and Most Valuable Player of the 6A state championship game. Good runner who gained over 200 yards each of the last two seasons. Chose Miami over Oregon, Louisiana State, Alabama and Boston College. Coached by Billy Rolle.
Named a Parade All-American and selected All-State by Florida Sportswriters Association. Selected as the EA Sports National Player of the Year. Ranked as the No. 7 pro-style quarterback, the No. 29 player in Florida and the No. 206 player overall by Rivals.com. Named the No. 20 quarterback by ESPN. Selected as a PrepStar All-American. Ranked No. 15 on the Miami Herald South Florida Top 25.
PATRICK HILL
Fullback, 5-10, 248
Torrance, Calif. / Fairfax (Calif.) HS / El Camino (Calif.) C.C.
Junior college transfer who can block, catch and run. Physical lead blocker who can lead the way for Javarris James and Graig Cooper. Graduated from Fairfax (Calif.) High School in Los Angeles, where he played tailback and ranked third among southern California rushers as a senior with 2,056 yards and 19 touchdowns. In his first year at junior college, helped lead his team to the California state title as a blocking fullback, but he also rushed for 183 yards and seven touchdowns. Scored four times in 2007. Chose Miami over Texas A&M and Colorado. Coached in high school by Shane Cox.
C.J. HOLTON
Safety, 6-2, 195
Crawfordville, Fla. / Wakulla HS
Athletic, hard-hitting safety who can cover the pass or play the run. Has a tall and athletic frame, with good acceleration and is a very strong tackler. Anticipates throws and puts himself in the right position to make plays. As a senior in 2007, made 65 tackles, six interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and eight tackles for loss in helping his team to an 8-3 record. As a junior in 2006, made 70 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass breakups. Played in the FACE Florida All-Star game. Chose Miami over Florida State. Coached by Scott Klees.
Ranked the No. 7 safety, the No. 22 player in Florida and the No. 127 player overall by Rivals.com. Rated the No. 13 safety, the No. 19 player in Florida and the No. 181 player overall by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 7 safety and the No. 104 player overall by ESPN. Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team.
ALDARIUS JOHNSON
Wide Receiver, 6-2, 200
Miami, Fla. / Northwestern HS
One of the strongest receiving prospects in the country. Highly skilled receiver who has earned comparisons to a young Calvin Johnson or Andre Johnson. Excellent possession receiver gets the ball in the clutch and makes first downs. Physically outmatches cornerbacks with a firm lower body. Set Miami-Dade County records with 76 receptions as a senior in 2007, breaking his own mark of 72 catches set a year earlier. Tall and talented, he finished the season with 960 yards (12.5-yard average) and 13 touchdowns. Played for the 2007 consensus national championship team as chosen by USA Today and Sports Illustrated. Caught seven passes for 84 yards in the state title game. As a junior in 2006, caught 72 passes for 1,361 yards and 19 touchdowns. Played in the inaugural Under Armour All-Star game. Chose Miami over Florida, Florida State and Louisiana State. Coached by Billy Rolle.
Rated the No. 9 wide receiver, the No. 9 player in Florida and the No. 58 player in the nation by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 7 wide receiver, the No. 6 player in Florida and the No. 26 player overall by Scout.com. Rated the No. 12 wide receiver and the No. 63 player overall by ESPN. Ranked as the No. 36 player overall by Tom Lemming on CSTV.com. Named the No. 45 player on the PrepStar Top 135 Dream Team. Named All-State by the Florida Sportswriters Association. Selected to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team. Selected EA Sports third-team All-America.
DAVON JOHNSON
Wide Receiver, 5-11, 170
Miami, Fla. / Booker T. Washington HS
Exciting play-maker who possesses elite speed and all the receiving skills to explode on the college level. Compares himself to Cal receiver DeSean Jackson and Miami Dolphin Ted Ginn Jr. Can return both punts and kickoffs. Starred on his school’s Class 4A state championship team. Played for the No. 6-ranked high school team in the country as chosen by USA Today. As a senior in 2007,caught 27 passes for 628 yards and seven touchdowns. As a junior in 2006, caught 20 passes for more than 700 yards and four touchdowns. Also returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Was an All-Dade first-team selection in track. Played in the inaugural Under-Armour All-Star game. Chose Miami over South Carolina, South Florida and Central Florida. Coached by 2007 USA Today Coach of the Year Tim Harris.
Named a PrepStar All-American. Ranked the No. 12 athlete, the No. 20 player in Florida and the No. 116 player overall by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 49 player in Florida and the No. 91 wide receiver by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 13 wide receiver and the No. 67 player regardless of position by ESPN. Ranked No. 16 on the Miami Herald South Florida Top 25.
BEN JONES
Offensive Tackle, 6-5, 280
Miami, Fla. / Northwestern HS
Huge offensive tackle who has tons of upside since he played basically one year as an offensive lineman for the top high school team in the country. Sturdy offensive tackle who has the tools to be a great drive blocker and as well as excellent pass protector. Switched from defense to offense in 2007. Didn’t play football as a junior after dislocating his knee during practice. First gained attention as a sophomore defensive end when he made 68 tackles and seven sacks. Played freshman football at Miami Springs HS. Chose Miami over Clemson, Louisiana State, Auburn, Ohio State and Tennessee. Coached by Billy Rolle.
PrepStar All-American. Ranked as the No. 26 player in Florida and the No. 158 player in the nation by Rivals.com. Rated No. 47 in Florida by Scout.com. Ranked No. 21 on the Miami Herald South Florida Top 25.
ZACH KANE
Fullback/Linebacker, 6-3, 200
Toms River, N.J. / Toms River North HS
A throwback player because of his relentless and aggressive nature. Is fast and could turn into a fine run-stuffing middle linebacker. Is also a special teams demon. Great blitzer whose team went 12-0 and won the state championship. As a senior in 2007, made 145 tackles, 25 for losses, and 11 sacks in 12 games. Added 50 QB pressures, five forced fumbles and had two fumble recoveries, returning one of them for a touchdown. Also played fullback, with 10 carries, 10 receptions and two touchdowns. Played in the New York-New Jersey All-Star game. Was under the radar as a junior due to a shoulder injury. Chose Miami over Rutgers, Connecticut and Cincinnati. Coached by Chip LaBarca Jr.
Named an All-State middle linebacker. Ranked as the No. 6 middle linebacker and the No. 32 player in New Jersey by Scout.com. Rated the No. 28 inside linebacker by ESPN.
JEREMY LEWIS
Defensive Tackle, 6-3, 295
West Palm Beach, Fla. / Palm Beach Lakes HS
Talented player who has only two years’ experience playing high school football after giving up basketball. Has excellent athletic ability and loads of potential. As a senior in 2007, he made 10 for losses and five sacks. As a junior in 2006, made 50 tackles and eight sacks with a fumble return for a touchdown and was named second-team All-Area by the Palm Beach Post. Chose Miami over North Carolina, Louisiana State, Auburn and Mississippi. Coached by Dan Sanso.
Selected as a PrepStar All-American. Ranked the No. 19 defensive tackle, the No. 34 player in Florida and the No. 231 player overall by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 27 defensive tackle and the No. 56 player in Florida by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 18 defensive tackle by ESPN. Ranked 19th overall on the South Florida Top 25 by the Miami Herald.
BRANDON MARTI
Linebacker, 6-0, 196
Miami, Fla. / Gulliver Prep
Smart, fast and aggressive player who is a fierce competitor. Weakside linebacker who diagnoses plays quickly and has fine short-range speed. Has excellent long-range potential. As a senior in 2007, led his team with 101 tackles (70 solo) and to the first round of the playoffs. Added five fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown) and two sacks. Played in only four games as a junior because of an injury. Chose Miami over Wisconsin. Coached by Ron Butler.
Ranked the No. 23 strongside linebacker in the country and the No. 71 player in Florida by Scout.com. Rated the No. 66 outside linebacker by ESPN.
C.J. ODOM
Safety, 6-0, 210
Fort Myers, Fla. / Fort Myers HS
Strong and athletic player who has size and loads of potential. Plays fast and physical and is a solid run defender. Good deep zone defender who has a keen nose for the football. As a senior in 2007, made 124 tackles and two forced fumbles and led his team to the state playoffs. He also rushed eight times for 82 yards and a touchdown on offense and added 12 kickoff returns for 279 yards. As a junior in 2006, made 104 tackles. Chose Miami over Florida, South Florida and West Virginia. Coached by Sam Sirianni.
Rated the No. 62 safety prospect and the No. 93 player in Florida by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 55 safety by ESPN. Named to the PrepStar All-Southeast Region team.
MICANOR REGIS
Defensive Tackle, 6-3, 300
Pahokee, Fla. / Pahokee HS
Star lineman who started both ways on three state championship teams and has been compared to former Hurricanes All-American Jerome Brown. Excellent run defender has a non-stop motor and isn’t intimidated. Has good lateral movement and can collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. Played for the No. 6-ranked high school team in the country as chosen by USA Today. As a senior in 2007, made 101 tackles (31 for loss), with five sacks and an interception. As a junior in 2006, was named first-team All-Area by the Palm Beach Post when he made 47 tackles and 13 sacks. Chose Miami over Florida, South Carolina, Penn State and Clemson. Coached by Blaze Thompson.
Ranked the No. 55 player in Florida and the 29th best defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com. Rated the No. 31 defensive tackle and the No. 58 player in Florida by Scout.com. Rated the No. 28 defensive tackle by ESPN. Selected to the PrepStar All-Southeast Region team. Ranked No. 24 on the Miami Herald South Florida Top 25.<>
MARCUS ROBINSON
Linebacker, 6-2, 210
Homestead / Homestead HS
Defensive play-maker that offenses have to gameplan around. Naturally gifted outside linebacker who can also play defensive end. Played linebacker, defensive end and even wide receiver in high school. Has a blend of size, speed and athleticism, to go with a great burst and superior sideline-to-sideline range. Fine pass rusher who can develop into an excellent playmaker off the edge. As a senior in 2007, made 98 tackles and 24 sacks. As a junior in 2006, made 86 tackles (34 for loss), with 22 sacks and six fumble recoveries. Played in the U.S. Army All-American game. Chose UM over Florida State, Ohio State, Southern Cal and Michigan. Coached by Bobby McCray.
Ranked the No. 68 player on the PrepStar Top 135 Dream Team. Rated the No. 65 player in the nation, the No. 11 player in Florida and the No. 4 outside linebacker by Rivals.com. Ranked the No. 8 weakside linebacker, the No. 13 player in Florida and the No. 127 player in the nation by Scout.com. Rated the No. 90 player regardless of position and the No. 7 outside linebacker by ESPN. Ranked as the No. 21 player in the country by Tom Lemming on CSTV.com. Selected to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team. Named All-State by Florida Sportswriters Association. Ranked No. 8 on the Miami Herald South Florida Top 25.
ANDREW SMITH
Defensive End, 6-3, 240
Coconut Creek, Fla. / Monarch HS
Pass-rushing weakside defensive end who has been compared to Dallas Cowboys All-Pro linebacker
Demarcus Ware. Has range and skills. Is effective chasing down plays and has a good short-range burst. Played linebacker and defensive end in high school. As a senior in 2007, made 80 tackles and 15 sacks. As a junior in 2006, he made 65 tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Played in the Dade-Broward All-Star game. Chose Miami over Iowa, Indiana, Troy and Florida Atlantic. Coached by Ron Williams.
Ranked as the No. 45 defensive end and the No. 67 player in Florida by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 89 defensive end by ESPN. Selected to the PrepStar All-Southeast Region team. Named to All-Broward team by Miami Herald.
CANNON SMITH
Quarterback, 5-11, 200
Chatham, Va. / Olive Branch (Miss.) HS / Hargrave Military Academy
The nation’s top prep school quarterback in 2007. The son of FedEx CEO Fred Smith, he is a tough and team-oriented quarterback who spent last season at Hargrave Military Academy and split his high school career between Christian Brothers and Olive Branch (Miss.). Has earned comparisons to Drew Brees. Short but athletic passer who has a very strong arm, is intelligent and can read defenses. In 2007 at prep school, he broke the school record with 476 yards and four touchdowns in one game. As a senior in 2006 at Olive Branch, completed 130 of 273 passes for 2,314 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions (also ran for more than 500 yards and seven TDs). Led his team to a No. 2 ranking in Class 5A. As a junior, he played at Christian Brothers in Memphis, where he platooned at quarterback. Coached at Olive Branch by Scott Samsel. Chose Miami over Memphis, Hawaii and Tulane. Coached by Robert Prunty (Hargrave) and Jamie Mitchell (Olive Branch).
Ranked the No. 42 player on the Rivals.com Prep School list.
SEAN SPENCE
Linebacker, 6-0, 186
Miami, Fla. / Northwestern HS
Energetic and exciting player who started 41 consecutive games in high school, finishing his career as a state and national champion. Considered a Jessie Armstread clone, he is short in size but makes up for it with range, speed, instincts, relentless ability and a powerful tackling ability. Student of the game. Flies all over the field to make plays. Can cover running backs and tight ends as well as make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Has excellent change-of-direction quickness and could be a difference-maker. Played for the 2007 consensus national championship team as chosen by USA Today and Sports Illustrated. As a senior in 2007, made more than100 tackles, with three sacks, two interceptions (one for a TD). As a junior in 2006, made 147 tackles, 10 for losses, with two interceptions (one for a touchdown) and three sacks. Played in the inaugural Under-Armour All-Star game. Chose Miami over Tennessee, Florida and North Carolina. Coached by Billy Rolle.
Ranked as the No. 24 player in Florida, the No. 133 player in the nation and the No. 13 outside linebacker by Rivals.com. Rated the No. 5 weakside linebacker, the No. 18 player in Florida and the No. 81 player in the nation by Scout.com. Ranked the No. 2 outside linebacker and the No. 21 player in the country by ESPN. Chosen as a Prep-Star All-American. Named All-State by the Florida Sportswriters Association. Ranked No. 6 on the Miami Herald South Florida Top 25. Selected to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team.
TOMMY STREETER
Wide Receiver, 6-4, 190
Miami, Fla. / Northwestern HS
Tall receiver who starred on the nation’s No. 1 high school team in 2007. Deep threat who has great speed despite his height. Can also be a possession receiver because he has very good hands. Is also a good blocker. As a senior in 2007, caught 36 passes for 676 yards with 11 touchdowns. As a junior in 2006, had 57 receptions for 804 yards and 14 touchdowns on a state championship team. Attended a technical magnet school but played football at Northwestern. Chose Miami over Oregon, South Florida, South Carolina and Boston College. Coached by Billy Rolle.
PrepStar All-American. Ranked as the No. 16 player in Florida and No. 88 in the country by Rivals.com. Rated as the No. 16 player in Florida and No. 153 in the country by Scout.com. Member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team. Ranked No. 10 on the Miami Herald South Florida Top 25.
VAUGHN TELEMAQUE
Safety, 6-2, 190
Long Beach, Calif. / Long Beach Poly HS
Smooth, versatile centerfielder who can run and has a good feel for zone coverage. Has great ball skills. Tall and rangy safety who attacks the ball and is very aggressive in coverage. As a senior in 2007, made 89 tackles and nine interceptions, two sacks, forced four fumbles and returned a fumble for a touchdown. In his team’s Division I championship victory he had 11 tackles and three interceptions. As a junior in 2006, made 52 tackles and two interceptions. Chose Miami over Southern California and Rutgers. Coached by Jerry Jaso.
PrepStar All-American who was ranked as the No. 12 safety and the No. 171 player in the country by Rivals.com. Rated the No. 6 safety, the No. 12 player in California and the No. 100 player in the nation by Scout.com. Selected as the No. 17 safety by ESPN. Selected EA Sports second-team All-America.
KENDALL THOMPKINS
Wide Receiver, 5-10, 165
Miami, Fla. / Northwestern HS
Tough and talented receiver who excels in the slot and loves to go over the middle. Has deceptive speed and is an excellent route runner. Explosive player who excels with the ball after the catch. Reminds observers of Chad Johnson (Bengals) and Hines Ward (Steelers) As a senior in 2007, made 46 receptions for 839 yards and a team-best 14 touchdowns while playing for the 2007 consensus national championship team as chosen by USA Today and Sports Illustrated. Also a fine punt returner. Selected to the inaugural Under-Armour All-Star game. Chose Miami over Florida A&M. Coached by Billy Rolle.
Ranked as the No. 76 wide receiver and the No. 83 player in Florida by Rivals.com. Rated the No. 209 player in the nation by Scout.com. Ranked as the No. 89 wide receiver by ESPN. Selected to the PrepStar All-Southeast Region team.
BRANDON WASHINGTON
Guard 6-4, 315
Miami, Fla. / Northwestern HS
Excellent drive blocker who can play either guard or tackle. Played his first three years at Edison
HS for Corey Bell, now UM’s director of football operations. Finished his career playing for the state and national champions. Chose Miami over Louisiana State, South Florida and Ohio State. Coached by Billy Rolle.
Ranked as the No. 4 guard in the nation, the No. 25 player in Florida and the No. 147 player in the nation by Rivals.com. Rated as the No. 14 guard in the country and the No. 43 player in Florida by Scout.com. Ranked as the No. 11 guard by ESPN. Selected to the PrepStar All-Southeast Region team. Named All-State by the Florida Sportswriters Association. Ranked No. 12 on the Miami Herald South Florida Top 25.
JAKE WIECLAW
Placekicker, 6-2, 180
New Lenox, Ill. / Lincoln Way Central
Excellent placekicker who set Illinois state records with 48 career field goals. A starter since his freshman year, he connected on 19 of 23 field goal attempts as a junior in 2006, with a long of 48 yards. As a senior in 2007, was 9 of 11 with a long of 52 yards before breaking his kicking foot while making a tackle. His 19 field goals in 2006 set a state record, and he holds the career record for field goals made. He was two field goals away from the national record before his injury. Has a strong leg for kickoffs. He also played receiver, with a team-leading 35 receptions for 485 yards and three touchdowns in 2007. Chose Miami over Illinois. Coached by Rob Glielmi.
Selected to the PrepStar All-Midwest Region team and named EA Sports second-team All-America.
JOE WYLIE
Safety, 6-2, 172
Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. / Boyd Anderson HS
Tall safety who has speed and range. Has a nose for the ball and can block kicks. As a senior in 2007, helped his team to a 9-1 record, losing in the first round of the state playoffs. Made more than 100 tackles and one interception. Played free safety (40 tackles and five interceptions), quarterback and receiver as a junior in 2006. Played basketball and participated in the long jump on the track team. His father, Joe, played basketball for UM from 1988-91 and ranks 15th in points scored and ninth in rebounds. Chose Miami over Mississippi, Georgia tech, Auburn and Georgia. Coached by Lawal McCray.
Ranked as the No. 27 safety and the No. 51 player in Florida by Rivals.com. Rated as the No. 52 safety and the No. 74 player in Florida by Scout.com. Ranked as the No. 56 safety by ESPN. Named to All-Broward team by Miami Herald.
*****
For season ticket information, call 1-800-GO-CANES.
