Miami football in top 5 for 4-star CB Duce Chestnut

The Miami football program has made the top five for four-star cornerback Duce Chestnut.

Four-star cornerback Duce Chestnut has named the Miami football program as one of the final five schools he will be committing to. The Hurricanes are on the shortlist of schools for a commitment from Chestnut with Louisville, Michigan State, Rutgers and Syracuse. Chestnut is announcing his commitment Sunday.

Chestnut is the 325th ranked player, the 23rd ranked CB and sixth-ranked player in New Jersey from Camden High School in Camden in the Class of 2021. Miami currently has the 10th ranked recruiting class for 2021. The Hurricanes have three-star CBs Tim Burns Jr and Malik Curtis commited for 2021.

Miami signed four-star CB Isaiah Dunson and three-star Marcus Clarke in the 2020 class. The two crystal balls for Chesnut, both of which were logged on Friday, project Chestnut to eventually commit to and sign with Syracuse. Miami is next scheduled to play the Orange in 2024 which would be Chestnut’s senior season.

Miami has no senior CBs currently on their roster. Al Blades Jr. and D.J. Ivey are entering their junior season in 2020 and Christian Williams and Te’Cory Couch are entering their sophomore seasons. With Clarke, Dunson, Burns and Curtis if everyone returns for the 2021 season that will give Miami eight CBs on the roster.

Chesnut has not visited the Miami campus. With the on-campus visits on hold indefinitely throughout college football that would seem to put Miami at a disadvantage. Chestnut spoke to Andrew Ivins of 247 Sports about what he likes about the Miami football program.

"“Miami has a great coaching staff. The environment is amazing. It’s Miami. I just can’t wait to take a visit.”"

At 5’11 180 pounds, Chesnut has the body type to play CB or safety according to his 247Sports scouting report. Chesnut tracks the ball well and is aggressive in coverage according to Brian Dohn of 247. Good in run support and a strong tackler are key traits that Chesnut has that are critical in the Manny Diaz defense.

With a 4.85-second 40-yard dash and 6.74 time in the 55 meters, Chesnut might not possess the top end speed necessary against elite wide receivers. Dohn projects Chestnut to be a multi-year starter at a Power Five school, but to be an undrafted free agent into the NFL out of college.