TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Miller Set To Lead Miami's Signing Class

ADVERTISEMENT

By TIM REYNOLDS

The Associated Press

Published: February 5, 2009

CORAL GABLES - Lamar Miller's mother grew up not far from Gainesville, and even now, she's still a huge Florida Gators fan.

It's time for her to get some Miami gear.

Widely considered South Florida's best running back, Miller signed his letter-of-intent Wednesday to play for Randy Shannon and the Hurricanes, part of another highly regarded recruiting class of 19 at Miami. The Parade All-American from Miami Killian High rushed for 1,719 yards and 22 touchdowns this fall, and even as Florida kept calling, he never changed his mind.

"I've been waiting for this day," said Miller, who also drew interest from programs like USF, West Virginia and Tennessee. "I've always wanted to play at the University of Miami. I've wanted this for a long time."

His mom is just fine with that.

"I'm so proud of him," said Cecelia Miller, who was raised about a half-hour's drive from Florida's Gainesville campus. "I'm happy. I'm excited. And I'm glad to see him home. He made a good decision. In the beginning, yes, I wanted him to be a Gator. But I'm happy he chose Miami."

Of the 19 players signed Wednesday, six are already enrolled at Miami, giving them a leg up in the chase for playing time this fall. The Hurricanes sputtered to a 7-6 finish last season, losing to Cal in the Emerald Bowl. Once-dominant Miami hasn't had a 10-win season since 2003.

The Hurricanes signed five offensive linemen (including massive 354-pounder Brandon Washington from Milford Prep and 305-pounder Jared Wheeler of Plantation American Heritage High), four defensive backs, four defensive linemen, two running backs, two tight ends, one linebacker and one quarterback. Miami didn't pursue other quarterbacks, even after 2008 starter Robert Marve transferred.

"We went out and filled a couple of needs that we had on this football class," Shannon said. "I'm very excited for this class, and also for the parents, giving us another opportunity to venture into their sons' lives."

Tight end Stephen Plein of Fort Myers was the first soon-to-be Hurricane to fax his letter-of-intent to the school Wednesday, the first day players could formally accept scholarships from major college teams.

By day's end, one recruiting service listed Miami - which had the nation's No. 1 class last year - as having the seventh-best class this year. Another ranked the Hurricanes No. 11.

"Things are looking good for us right now," said Miami defensive line coach Clint Hurtt, the Hurricanes' recruiting coordinator.

Miami Signees

MIAMI SIGNEES

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT