Recruiting Wrapup

The final two weeks of the 2007-2008 recruiting season are upon us and things are heating up in every direction. First off, if you want an excellent list and analysis of who our final targets are before NSD, I suggest you read Manny's blog at the Herald. I was going to write something similar, but I'd rather not be redundant.

However, there are some bits and pieces of info I've read about that are still worth mentioning. First off, Florida's class continues to grow stronger with the addition of 5 star DT Omar Hunter. Hunter was a Notre Dame commitment last month. All this coming off the recent news of potential violations by coach Urban Meyer.

As for potential UM guys, there is news for us as well. TJ Bryant is on campus as I write this, probably getting prepared to watch the UM-UNC basketball game. With the Buchanon and Johnson defections, landing him and/or Brandon Harris is absolutely crucial to this class. I like our chances with the former, but he has kept it so close to the vest that I'm worried it might be another Bobby Bowden special.

As for Harris, news on him is all over the place. Some sources had him leaning to LSU. Others cited his desire to go out of state and have him being a Buckeye. Earlier today I read a very reliable UM source claim Brandon is a solid Cane, so that is a bit more relieving. We'll see on Signing Day.

Another guy we might land is Gavin Hardin. He was a soft verbal to Ole Miss, but after opening up his commitment and visiting Miami, there seems to be a good chance he ends up a Cane. However, early suggestions he was committing as soon as today seem to be off base. Now he too, will decide on signing day. I was optimistic about him over the weekend, but with a visit coming up to Ole Miss, I wouldn't be surprised if he reaffirms his commitment to the Rebels.

Losing him would be tough because DE Keith Wells is no longer an option due to some "character flaws" both the FSU and UM staffs dug up. Also, Nick Perry is expected to sign with Michigan and Corey Liuget's family continues to push him out of state.

The guy I'm worried about is Brandon Washington, who reportedly is talking like someone who is anything but a solid commitment to Miami. Strange considering his MNW buddies are all coming to the U and he has been committed here for quite some time. We need him and Ben Jones because it doesn't look like we'll be landing any other offensive linemen otherwise. That is probably the class' biggest disappointment.

Finally, Manny says that Jeremy Lemis will reaffirm his commitment on his visit to Miami this weekend, so that's also a relief. I was/still am worried that he will defect to the Gators as predicted.