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Miami Football: Canes announce 2016 recruiting class

By Brandan Blom

Dec 8, 2015; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head football coach Mark Richt speaks to the fans during a timeout the first half against the Florida Gators at BankUnited Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2015; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head football coach Mark Richt speaks to the fans during a timeout the first half against the Florida Gators at BankUnited Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Taking a look at Mark Richt’s first Miami recruiting class for 2016 and who the new head coach brought in on National Signing Day.

The Miami Hurricanes football program has a tradition that rivals almost any program in college football. While the Hurricanes haven’t recently enjoyed the same level of success as they are used to it isn’t because they aren’t bringing in talented players.

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Miami’s recruiting classes over the past few seasons have been among the best in the ACC. The Hurricanes have had top 30 nationally ranked recruit classes every season over the last six years except for one (Miami was No. 33 in 2011) and they have been in the top 15 four times.

This season’s class is shaping up to be another talented group. Miami currently has the No. 19 recruiting class in the country and the third best class in the ACC following Clemson and Florida State. The Hurricanes have five early enrollees, four of which are four-star recruits according to 247Sports. They also have five four-star recruits who are hard commits, highlighted by receiver Sam Bruce, the No. 11 receiver in the country.

Miami has done a good job of staying in-state for their recruits. Of the 15 players committed to Miami 14 are from Florida. The lone out-of-state recruit is tight end Jovani Haskins from New Jersey.

Both of the Hurricanes starting receivers from 2015 were seniors so newcomers Sam Bruce, Dionte Mullins, and Latrell Williams have a great shot at contributing early to replace some of the lost production at the position. Safety and cornerback are other positions that the Hurricanes will need to fill and newcomers Cedrick Wright, Tyler Byrd and Malek Young could very well be in the mix in the defensive secondary next season.

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One player that might sound familiar to Hurricane fans is tight end Michael Irvin Jr., the son of former Miami receiver and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin. At 6-3 and 220 pounds Irvin Jr. has a good frame to build on. Coming out of St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) Irvin Jr. is the No. 33 tight end.

You can see the class here, courtesy of 247Sports.

Who do you think will make an immediate impact next season and who do you think will be the best player in the class in four years?

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