Could Miami Hurricanes 2021 recruiting still receive Amari Daniels commitment?

Could three-star Miami Central 2021 running back Amari Daniels still be considering the Miami Hurricanes after naming Georgia and Texas A&M as finalists before pushing back his commitment announcement this week?

Three-star Miami Central 2021 running back Amari Daniels eliminated the Miami Hurricanes as one of his finalists after initially including them with Clemson and Georgia. Daniels was expected to announce which program he was committing to this week. Could Daniels still be considering Miami after pushing his announcement back?

The future for Miami at RB is bright with junior Cam Harris and freshmen Don Chaney Jr. and Jaylan Knighton. Harris has the option to turn pro or have two seasons of eligibility beyond 2020 with the NCAA granting fall sports athletes this year an extra year. There is some speculation about how Daniels would fit at Miami.

In addition to Harris, Chaney, Knighton and redshirt junior Robert Burns, the Miami Hurricanes have a commitment in the Class of 2021 for four-star RB Thad Franklin. Franklin is more of a physical runner than Chaney, Knighton, Harris and Daniels. Miami gives Burns a power RB this season but is not as talented as Franklin.

The speculation on who Daniels will commit to seems to be leaning towards Texas A&M. Andrew Ivins of Inside the U said on their Through The Smoke Podcast that Daniels delaying his decision on who he will commit to could benefit Miami. South Florida recruiting guru Larry Blustein spoke to the Miami Herald about Daniels.

"“Getting Daniels would give them another set of what they’ve got with Knighton and Chaney…Daniels and Franklin are guys who are difference makers. I think Amari would come here. I’m sure they can keep four running backs happy. He’s a stud back. I would sell Amari on the fact he’s going to be one of four backs.I think they can get him. He’s close to the Northwestern kids” who are committed to Miami. All four are elite backs. Thad Franklin reminds me of [former UM and NFL standout] Otis Anderson – a big man with speed who gets stronger as the game moves along."

Daniels is the 352nd ranked player, the sixth-ranked all-purpose back and 52nd ranked player in Florida for 2021. Despite those accolades, Daniels does not feel any pressure to sign with Miami as a local star. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald who also spoke to Blustein quoted Daniels speaking to Rivals.Com.

"“I really don’t feel any pressure to go to Miami. I like Miami, and I like how they have recruited me, but there is no pressure on me.”"

Texas A&M reporter Brian Peroni of Gigem247 reported that Daniels is diligent about watching videos on the Aggies, Georgia and Miami to make an educated choice about which football program he fits into the best. According to Peroni, Daniels believes Georgia and Texas A&M are the best fit.

"“I had previously written an update on him where he said he was doing a ton of research into all four of his top schools, such as watching full games on YouTube and the like. He thought A&M and UGA were the best fits. I still don’t want to completely write off Miami but I do not think it will be the Canes.”"

The usage of Chaney and Knighton in the new Miami offense under first-year Hurricanes offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee could change the perceptions that Daniels has of the Miami offense. Any decision Daniels makes is not binding until he signs a National Letter of Intent in either December or February.

Franklin is currently the only RB Miami has in the Class of 2021. The Hurricanes will have a lot of talent in their offensive backfield in 2021, especially if Harris returns. Miami needs to continue building depth. The Hurricanes only have four scholarship RBs this season and Franklin would make five in 2021 if Harris returns.