The sudden retirement of Malek Young due to a spinal injury has the Miami Hurricanes still in need of depth at cornerback. In spite of the commitment of Nigel Bethel this week UM is still pursuing five-star cornerback Tyson Campbell.
Campbell is part of a Fab Four at American Heritage High School in Plantation that are high-level recruits. The Miami Hurricanes have already received an oral commitment from Campbell’s high school teammate defensive tackle Nesta Silvera. The other two of the fab four are cornerback Patrick Surtain and defensive end Andrew Chatfield.
Surtain is thought to be a near lock to sign with LSU. Chatfield is leaning heavily towards Miami but still considering Florida and Colorado according to 247Sports.Com. Campbell was originally reportedly heavily leaning towards Miami. Georgia is now the clear favorite according to 247Sports.
Campbell would be a huge addition to what is already a very strong secondary in the Miami Storm ’18 recruiting class. Miami signed three cornerbacks and a safety during last month’s early signing period.
Cornerbacks Al Blades Jr and Gilbert Frierson are ranked four-stars by 247Sports and D.J. Ivey is ranked as a three-star. The Hurricanes also bring in safety Gurvan Hall.
Sports Illustrated profiled Campbell and why he would be a good fit with the Miami Hurricanes.
"“The Hurricanes have home field advantage in this recruitment. They’ve already assembled a top-10 class composed mostly of players from the Sunshine State, and Campbell would be their highest-rated prospect…Cornerback Dee Delaney has played his last game for the Hurricanes, but fellow starting cornerback Michael Jackson announced earlier this month that he’s returning for another season.Miami is clearly on the upswing under second-year head coach Mark Richt, but unlike Georgia and Alabama, it can’t tout a recent national championship game appearance….Campbell’s recruiting pedigree suggests earning early playing time won’t be an issue regardless of which program he chooses."
Young’s unexpected retirement means that someone from the Freshman class is going to have to have to be a reliable backup at cornerback for Mark Richt, Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz and Cornerbacks Coach Mike Rumph.
In addition to Jackson Miami also returns rising Sophomore Trajan Bandy and Senior to be Jhavonte Dean. Bandy performed well as a Freshman. Dean failed to live up to his billing as the nation’s top Junior College cornerback in 2016.
Dean was expected to be a major contributor next season for Miami even before Young’s injury was revealed.
"Diaz told the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson about Dean: “We will be very disappointed if he’s not a major guy for us next year.”"
Jackson had an outstanding season for Miami in 2017. He was named second-team All-ACC for his performance. He finished 2017 with 34 solo tackles, nine assists 43 total tackles, three tackles for loss, four interceptions and four passes defended.
In limited playing in 2017 Dean had eight tackles, three assists and one pass defended. Bandy had a very promising Freshman season. He finished with 14 solo tackles and 11 assists for 25 total tackles. Bandy added the iconic interception return for a touchdown against Notre Dame and six passes defended.
Next: Miami Hurricanes need wide receivers to step up in 2018
With less than three weeks remaining until signing day, Miami is still in play for several high profile recruits. Signing Campbell would be a major coup.