Miami football could have its most 5-star recruits since 2008

The Miami football program could sign its most five-star prospects since the 2008 class that finished first nationally. Miami received a commitment from five-star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa on Monday. Five-star edge rusher Jayden Wayne is expected to commit to Miami when he announces his college choice on Saturday.

The 2008 class has three five-star recruits, inside linebacker Arthur Brown, defensive tackle Marcus Fortson and cornerback Brandon Harris. Miami is among the finalists for several five-star prospects. Five-star wide receiver Jalen Brown is the sole one trending to Miami. Two 247 crystal balls project Brown to Miami.

If Miami can gain commitments from Brown and Wayne with Mauigoa they will have a chance to finish with a top-five class. Miami currently has the 10th ranked 2023 Class. The rankings will fluctuate continually as other programs gain and lose commitments in the 2023 Class. July will be another busy month for Miami.

In addition to Wayne, Miami is awaiting a decision from four-star safety Jayden Bonsu on July 20. Bonsu is also trending to Miami. Prior to commitments from four four-star prospects plus Mauigoa since June 26 has pushed the critical Miami blue-chip ratio to 50 percent. Miami needs its five-star signees to make an impact.

Brown had 17 tackles and 0.5 tackle for loss in two seasons with Miami before transferring to Kansas State. With the Wildcats playing much closer to his Wichita home, Brown recorded 201 tackles, 16.5 TFLs and three sacks in two seasons. Brown was chosen in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.

In three seasons playing for the Miami football program, Forston had 60 tackles, 17.5 TFLs, seven sacks and an interception. Fortson missed the 2009 season as a sophomore with an ankle injury. Returning in 2010, Fortson had his best season with Miami recording 37 tackles, 12.0 TFLs, three sacks and one interception.

Harris was the most consistent of the three Miami five-star 2008 signees. In three seasons Harris had 133 tackles, 10.0 TFLs, two sacks and four interceptions. Harris had 32 starts in 39 games over three seasons. Harris earned All-ACC honors in his final two seasons and was named an All-American as a sophomore in 2009.

With Mario Cristobal as the Miami head coach, recruiting should be improved. Cristobal has been lauded as a relentless recruiter. With Cristobal now working in South Florida, multiple five-star recruits in the same Miami class should occur often. The 2023 Miami class should continue to trend upward.