Miami football 2022 signing class ACC rank and national analysis

The 2022 Miami football signing class currently ranks 10th in the ACC per 247 Sports. Miami signed an eight-man class on Early National Signing Day that could grow by the end of the period on Friday. The Hurricanes will add more players through the transfer portal and during the traditional signing period beginning February 2.

While the 2022 Miami footbal class is 10th overall in the ACC, the Hurricanes are third in the conference in average ranking per recruit. The big addition to the 2022 Miami signing class is four-star defensive end, Nyjalik Kelly. Kelly credited Miami hiring Mario Cristobal as his reason for signing with the Hurricanes.

Being able to sign a top local prospect is critical for Miami to build a recruiting foundation for now and the future. Seven of the eight 2022 Miami signees are four stars. Cornerback Khamauri Rogers and linebacker Wesley Bissainthe combine with Kelly to give Miami a good base at all three defensive levels for the future.

Miami also added CB Chris Graves who is an elite athlete. Half of the 2022 current Miami signees are in the secondary. Miami also signed three-star CB Jaden Harris and four-star safety Markeith Williams. The Hurricanes also signed quarterback Jacurri Brown and wide receiver Isaiah Horton. Will Backus of 247 Sports profiled the ACC.

"10. MIAMI HURRICANES8 commits, No. 60 nationallyDespite only netting eight signatures, Mario Cristobal’s first signing period with the Hurricanes was a resounding success. Miami fended off runs from Ole Miss and Mississippi State to hang on to Khamauri Rogers, the No. 14 CB in the 247Sports Composite, and fought off in-state rival Florida State to ink four-star LB Wesley Bissainthe.In terms of additions, Cristobal’s staff beat some major programs for defensive lineman Nyjalik Kelly, the No. 84 prospect nationally."

Cristobal proved in eight days his ability to go head to head with elite college football programs and sign high-level prospects. Kelly was likely headed to Oregon to play for Cristobal in Eugene before he decided to return to the Miami football program to become the head coach. Cristobal and his staff still have work to do.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday afternoon, Cristobal said he expects Miami to sign between 16 and 20 players by the time the 2022 class is finalized. Miami is projected to add Alabama CB Marcus Banks as a transfer. Miami currently has the third highest average signee in the ACC behind North Carolina and Clemson.

Cristobal made it clear that quality is more important than quantity when adding talent. The extra year granted by COVID has crowded rosters. That plays into a small signing class. Cristobal mentioned to reporters on Wednesday he is still evaluating the Miami roster. The next seven weeks are critical for the future of Miami football.