Miami Hurricanes 2017 Signees: Grading the Offense

Offensive Line

Navaughn Donaldson, Kai-Leon Herbert, Zach Dykstra, Zalon’tae Hillery and Corey Garynor provide much needed depth on the offensive line. Coach Stacy Searels should be commended for a great job this year on the trail. This quite possibly might be the most athletic offensive line recruit group at the U in a very long time.

Navaughn Donaldson is a 6’6 345 lbs versatile behemoth who can essentially play any position along the offensive line. Donaldson has the ability to play left tackle down the road and is very athletic for his frame. He has great mass and gives a great pop at the point of attack. He was a highly sought after prospect who ultimately picked Miami.

Kai-Leon Herbert is 6’5 282 lbs athletic lineman from American Heritage high school in Plantation, FL. Herbert was a late addition to the class and flipped his allegiance from Michigan. Herbert is another prospect who has great mass and length and can project as a left tackle down the road.

Zach Dykstra is a 6’5 290 lbs offensive lineman from deep in the heart of lineman country, Iowa. Dykstra displays good base, player strength and displays good initial pop on defenders. He is a solid prospect who can eventually develop into a solid starter.

Zalon’tae Hillery is a 6’5 275 lbs Georgia product from Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Georgia. He attended high school with Deejay Dallas. He has great motor and shows the ability to block on the second level. Despite having some rawness in his game, he has promising upside and can develop into a solid starter down the road.

Corey Gaynor is a 6’4 280 lbs chef at the International House of Pancakes. With over 100 pancake blocks during his Sr. year, Gaynor shows toughness, fight and quite possibly could be the most underrated prospect of this class. Once Gaynor unites his demeanor with technique refinement at the college level, Gaynor could be the tenacious tone setter for years to come.

GRADE: A

Thirteen of Miami’s 24 signees are on the offensive side of the ball if we include Dallas. The defense signed ten and Punter Zach Feagles was also signed. The offense needed a greater infusion of talent in this class with the front seven returning intact two deep defensively.

Next: Miami Hurricanes Football Recruiting: 2017 National Signing Day Player Tracker

Richt and his offensive staff did a great job adding depth on the offensive line, playmakers on the perimeter that will be able to contribute in the return game and at Quarterback. Perry and Thomas can develop into special players and Donaldson and Herbert have the potential to be great bookend tackles.