Mark Richt says recruiting starts with a commit to UM or someone else
Appearing on the Joe Rose Morning Show on WQAM on Tuesday, Miami Hurricanes Head Coach Mark Richt discussed where his program is at during the current recruiting cycle and the general state of recruiting in College Football.
The Miami Hurricanes recruiting classes have been elevated in each year with Mark Richt as Head Coach. The class of 2019 will be Richt’s fourth at his Alma Mater.
In the 247Sports Composite recruiting rankings the Miami Hurricanes currently ranked 10th. That is a significant drop from where they were a few months ago. Miami had the eighth best-recruiting class in 2018.
Richt has done an exceptional job signing elite level talent and sleepers. The Hurricanes have one five-star recruit in the class of 2018 and 14 four-stars.
Richt acknowledged that the stars don’t mean much. Players like rising Sophomore Jonathan Garvin and Freshman Gregory Rousseau have shined despite being three-star players coming in.
Miami has 11 oral commitments in the class of 2019. Three of those are four-star players. Miami has yet to get a commitment from a five-star player in the Class of 2019. Richt spoke about recruiting in Miami and the overemphasis on the stars players receive.
"“We kind of get caught up on the stars…when you recruit at the University of Miami and this South Florida region, especially the tri-county area (Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) you are going to find some gems that are three-stars guys because there are so many great players down here…being in a bigger city with a bigger population you might not get as big of a star rating”"
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Rose asked Richt where his staff would be during the current recruiting cycle
"“They’re everywhere. (We) are allowed to visit schools twice. Saving one for Jamborees and (high school) Spring Games. (We) will be all over the state. They’re everywhere. (We) will go as far as Oregon if we need to look up (a) recruit.”"
The player Richt was referring to that the coaching staff went to see in Oregon was likely four-star quarterback Michael Johnson. The Hurricanes are one of several high profile schools that Johnson is considering.
Johnson’s list includes the Oregon Ducks where Johnson’s father is an assistant coach. Miami Hurricanes Alum Mario Cristobal is entering his first season in Eugene replacing Willie Taggart who left for Florida State after one season in the Pac-12.
Any verbal commitments including Johnson are tenuous at best. Rose asked Richt about the strength of those commitments.
"“Recruiting starts when a player commits to us or another school. (It’s) not over until signing day. A lot happens between now and signing day. Everybody continues to work a kid. (Recruiting) can go great, can go bad. Guys (players) turn pro at their position, coaches leave and go to another job.”"
Transfering schools have proliferated college athletics. That has seeped into the high school athletic scene as well. Rose’s co-host Zach Krantz asked Richt how players transferring High Schools can impact recruiting.
"“Doesn’t…If he goes from one school to another hopefully you have a good relationship with (the) coach and maybe better”"
The prevailing question nationally in relation to Miami’s past position among the elite programs in the country is “Is the U back?”. To reach that level Richt and his need to and are getting in the homes of top-level recruits. Richt doesn’t shy away from the competition and acknowledged it.
"“(Miami is) battling with some of the greatest schools in America.”"
The level of talent has risen significantly during Richt’s three recruiting cycles. The increase in talent has also provided better position battles on the Miami Hurricanes roster.
Next: Mark Richt says Malik Rosier ought to be the starter
As Richt continues to rebuild the Miami program, players will be recruiting themselves to Miami as much as Richt and his staff will be persuaded them to come to Coral Gables.