Miami football gets commitment from 3-star defensive end

The Miami football team has received another commitment to its Storm 2019 Class. Three-star strongside defensive end Johfari Harvey from Vero Beach, Florida announced his intention play football for the Hurricanes.

According to 247Sports.Com Harvey is the 463rd ranked player in the country, the 35th best weakside defensive end and the 59th best player in Florida according to 247. Harvey is the 16th player to commit to the Miami football Storm 2019 Class.

Harvey is the tenth defensive player to commit to joining the Miami football player in the Class of 2019. He’s the fifth player that is committed to joining Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz’s unit in the last month.

Harvey is a versatile player. At 6’3 225 pounds he could play linebacker. If the Harvey can add significant weight and muscle in the weight room over the next 14 months he could play on the defensive line as projected.

Harvey was quoted by Inside the U discussing his fit into the Diaz defense.

"“At first they liked me at linebacker, but I have grown a little bit and put on about 15 pounds so now they see me as a defensive end…[Coach Diaz and Coach Simpson] are great coaches. I enjoy talking to them … I feel like I will flourish in their defense.”"

Harvey made his announcement public in an article he wrote for TCPalm.Com. His decision to attend Miami was based partly that is felt like home to him. Harvey visited the Miami campus on Saturday with his family.

"“When I first went down to the University of Miami, it just felt like home. Just being down there because I’m from South Florida. I felt comfortable there. It wasn’t just the coaches and the players, but even the practice. The practice was lit. Everyone was running around and had the attitude I want to be a part of.And when I went down there recently, on June 16, I took my mom, four sisters and (former John Carroll {Catholic where he previously attended high school} assistant coach) Jeff Miret. I call him my Pops. He’s been a mentor to me. When we went down there, they treated us like family. I just felt I needed to be there.”"

Harvey’s commitment to the Miami football program further stresses the importance of landing players in the “State of Miami.” Depending on the definition, Vero Beach is either within those boundaries or just outside of it.

The “State of Miami” was coined by former Miami Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger. The dividing line to the North is either Interstate four or Palm Beach Country. Vero Beach is 62 miles from Tequesta, the most northern city in Palm Beach County.

Both Miami Football Head Coach Mark Richt and Diaz have discussed the priority of returning to dominating South Florida in recruiting.

Harvey’s position coach with Vero Beach is former Miami Hurricanes tight end, Randy Bethel. Bethel is the father current Miami defensive tackle Pat Bethel who is expected to start this season.

Canes Warning discussed Harvey and his accomplishments earlier in a preview of the announcement about where he would attend college.

Next: Miami football expected to receive commitment from 3-star DE

Harvey is an important commitment. The Hurricanes will definitely lose defensive end Demetrius Jackson after this season. Junior Joe Jackson could leave early for the NFL. The Miami football program could also lose all of some of the Junior linebacking trio of Shaq Quarterman, Zach McCloud and Michael Pinckney.

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