Miami football gets program back with Paradise Camp return

The college football world has been slowly returning to normal. Paradise Camp returned for the Miami football program over the weekend after being canceled in 2020 because of COVID. Miami welcomed back the return of alumni over the last 35 plus years to Coral Gables to work with dozens of camp attendees.

Miami head coach Manny Diaz speaks frequently about the unique experience Coral Gables and South Florida are. Getting the recruits on campus might be more critical for the Miami football program than other places. Miami was able to sign the 11th best class in 2021 without being able to bring in recruits for official visits.

College football programs welcomed recruits back on June 1 beginning a busy month nationally. Miami has hosted 36 players for official visits in June. Dozens of prospects have visited the Coral Gables campus in June on unofficial visits. Only six of the recruits in Coral Gables this past weekend were on official visits.

Head coach Manny Diaz spoke on Sunday about the importance of alums and recruits returning to campus. The ability for the Hurricanes to have prominent alums and current players working with alums this weekend is a good selling point for the Miami football program. A dead period in recruiting begins July 1.

"“It’s like having our program back. Not being able to have visitors or people coming to our doors, not being able to have our alumni come through here, something has been missing.I think that connection with our players and our alumni, even the connection with our coaches and our alumni, when we don’t have it, you feel like something’s missing.I think just seeing it tonight, seeing everybody here tonight, seeing the passion that these guys have for the program, we’re able to present a unique experience for our campers, but it’s also a unique experience for the people in our program.”"

The alums in attendance represented a good representation of the Miami football program. Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin gave the traditional opening speech. Recent alums, All-Americans Jaelan Phillips and Greg Rousseau were also in attendance at Paradise Camp.

Several recruits were spotted over the weekend with alums and current players. That can only be a good sign for the Miami football program. The Hurricanes have only four players committed for 2022. Several blue-chip prospects are reportedly leaning towards committing to Miami. Less than five months until Early National Signing Day.