It may lack the glitz of 2008's top-ranked class, with eight Northwestern Bulls signing at once, or the buzz of last year's with local prep legend Lamar Miller.
It may be anti-climactic that the 'Canes are only keeping an eye on a couple of uncommitted players today on National Signing Day.
But while many fans are hung up on a perceived lack of local star power in Randy Shannon's third full-term recruiting class, his Miami staff have been out building a quietly stellar group that provides depth at positions of need -- and stocks the cupboard with big, athletic projects who should come into their own just about the time they're needed.
Unlike the previous two years, Miami isn't desperate to sign kids who can play right away. Punter Brian Monroe is no longer doubling as a third-string wide out thanks to Larry Coker's careless recruiting. Guys like Marcus Forston are no longer expected to break through veteran offensive lines as 18-year-olds fresh off the prom. That should feel good.
But people want big names and big rankings, and Shannon's gone out and found a handful of very raw players that don't come with five stars or buzz in the forums of Scout and Rivals. Belle Glades' Clive Walford is a basketball star. California's Kelvin Cain doesn't list a single other BCS offer. DT Delmar Taylor played just five games at Miami Beach; he'd spent the rest of high school taking care of his mother with no time for football.
What they do have are large, athletic bodies and big upside, and that's okay: there's time for guys like that to incubate, so to speak, and contribute when they're needed if indeed they pan out -- like Ed Reed, a former two-star whose other offer was Tulane.
Don't forget there are more ready pickups and buzz-worthy guys in today's haul of Baby Canes. 27 players are solid commits to Miami, with seven already enrolled in classes -- including four-star offensive lineman Malcolm Bunche; Booker T. RB Eduardo Clements; the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Georgia Offensive Player of the Year, running back/future weatherman Storm Johnson; and Under Armor All-American guard Shane McDermott.
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Still to come in the fall: the nation's third-ranked center, St. Thomas' Brandon Linder; the Gainesville Sun's Player of the Year, linebacker Kevin Nelson; big JUCO tight end Chase Ford, and at least four other offensive lineman. Talk about a position of need -- perhaps the 'Canes will be able to keep Jacory Harris in one piece next season.
If the class does nothing else, that'll be stellar enough for most.
Janie Campbell believes in ballpark hot dogs and the pro-set. Her work has appeared in irreverent sports sites around the Internet.
