Miami football 2021 commits moving up rankings

Miami football recruits are moving up in the latest updated rankings via 247 sports on Wednesday.

The 2021 Miami football recruiting class is currently ranked 13th nationally. Two Hurricanes commits moved up in the latest updated rankings from 247Sports.Com. Five-star defensive tackle Leonard Taylor is currently the ninth-ranked player overall, top-ranked DT and second-ranked player in Florida in the 247 composite rankings.

Wide receiver Brashard Smith was upgraded from three to four-stars by 247 and has reportedly grown from 5.8.5 to 5’10 according to Gaby Urrutia of Inside the U. Smith is currently the 280th ranked player overall per the 247 composite, the 48th ranked wide receiver and 39th ranked player in Florida.

Smith has exceptional speed and versatility. At Miami, Smith will likely be a slot receiver. Smith was pressed into duty at quarterback for Palmetto in their playoff win last weekend. He did not throw a pass, but Smith ran for 120 yards and a touchdown. Smith is the 63rd ranked WR and 64th ranked player in Florida by ESPN.

Taylor is ranked as the second-best DT nationally and second-ranked player in Florida by ESPN. ESPN ranks Taylor five-stars and Smith four. The rankings from 247 rank Taylor as the third-best player overall, top-ranked DT and best player in Florida. Smith has a higher ranking from 247 than their composite has him.

Smith is the 192nd ranked player overall, 29th ranked WR and 24th ranked player in Florida according to 247’s own rankings. The differences are striking and somewhat shows the importance of the composite. COVID-19 limiting the number of games and ability for teams in South Florida.

The chance for recruiting analysts and scouts to evaluate high school talent has made this recruiting cycle vastly different than it has been for a generation. Miami has benefitted by receiving commitments primarily from local players. The 2021 Miami recruiting class has the potential to out perform its rankings.