Miami football status as finalist for four-star LB DeMario Tolan

The Miami football program was named as a finalist for four-star linebacker DeMario Tolan with Clemson, Florida State, LSU and Tennessee. No crystal balls are currently trending for Tolan. In order beginning June 1, Tolan took official visits this month to Clemson, Tennessee, Auburn, LSU and Miami.

Tolan likely eliminated Auburn after his visit there. During June, Tolan also took unofficial visits to Central Florida on back-to-back days, Florida State and South Florida. Tolan clearly enjoyed himself during his official visit with the Miami football program this weekend. Tolan posted pictures of himself with Miami dignataries.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and 43Michael Irvin and former NFL defensive player of the year Calais Campbell were posted to Twitter by Tolan. Tolan tagged Miami head coach Manny Diaz, defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson, linebackers coach and special teams coordinator Jonathan Patke and strikers coach Ishmael Aristide.

Clemson and LSU are likely to be the two biggest competitors for Miami to receive a commitment from Tolan. Clemson has been in every College Football Playoff since 2015. LSU is two seasons removed from a National Championship. Florida State and Tennessee are rebuilding after unstable coaching situations recently.

The changes Miami made on their defensive coaching staff are seemingly paying off in recruiting. Aristide, cornerbacks coach DeMarcus VanDyke and Robinson are all excellent recruiters that should help Miami improve their talent on defense. Tolan is one of three blue chip LBs Miami has high on their list.

Miami Central star Wesley Bissainthe and Devon Jackson from Omaha are all strongly considering the Hurricanes. The hope is likely to be able to receive a commitment from one of the three. If Miami can gain commitments from two or three that would be a huge boost to the 2022 Miami recruiting class.

Linebacker is a significant need for Miami. The Hurricanes received inconsistent play at LB in 2020. All of the LBs currently on the Miami roster have eligibility remaining beyond 2021. None would likely be drafted in 2022. Getting more athletic and long at LB would greatly help the Hurricanes defense in the future.