Elite prospects fired up about Miami following Mario Cristobal and the new staff’s first junior day
Mario Cristobal and the new coaching staff in Coral Gables turned right, they turned left and they saw five-stars and blue-chip recruits and ballyhooed prospects, as many of the nation’s best flocked to the Hurricanes campus this weekend for junior day.
And the elite players in town had a great time.
“The atmosphere was amazing,” the 247Sports Composite’s No. 1 receiver Brandon Inniss said. “I felt the energy in the building when I was talking to the coaches and just walking around. What stands out about Miami to me is how their coaches explain how they want to coach you and not just tell you. Coach (Bryan McClendon) will be a huge reason I decide to go there if I decide to go there.”
Inniss is also considering Alabama, Ohio State and USC and Cristobal and his staff are working to win these heavyweight battles on the trail.
“It was hype,” five-star defensive lineman Jayden Wayne said. “A lot of recruits there. A lot of fans. Brotherhood is strong here. The commitment to winning and building a strong brotherhood. The weather is really nice. The fans knew who I was already. I think Cristobal is going to change things around.”
“I loved it there,” the Top247’s No. 13 overall prospect in defensive lineman Derrick Leblanc said. “Great to be at, they’re going to change the program around. Everything just loved it there.”
Two of the top quarterbacks in the country spent time in Coral Gables in five-star Dante Moore who talked about his visit here and five-star Nicholaus Iamaleava who like Wayne came all the way from the West Coast.
“Definitely love Miami,” Iamaleava told 247Sports Saturday morning.
More five-stars that could be seen around the facility included offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa who was high on Oregon when Cristobal was running the show there, top-ranked cornerback Cormani McClain, running back Richard Young, edge rusher Malik Bryant and receiver Jalen Brown.
“Listen, the atmosphere was definitely crazy,” Young said. “All the love, all the coaches, I felt the energy. Everything stood out. I believe they are bring The U back to how it used to be.”
Beyond those already mentioned, there was a large group of Top247 prospects and four-star recruits.
“My visit was awesome,” Top247 tight end Mac Markway said. “Coach Cristobal and the staff took a lot of one-on-one time with me. He was passionate and genuine. They are invested in the tight end position with Coach (Stephen) Field and Coach Woodiel. My cousin played for Coach McClendon too. He was cool. Coach (Alex) Mirabal was great as well. They are invested in the front offensive seven. Love the small school feel on campus. Coach Cristobal is definitely bringing The U back! They are at the top of list!”
“Man it was amazing, the atmosphere was different, they are changing the program and how things are done,” four-star offensive lineman Knijeah Harris said. “I love the new staff and what they have planned for the future of the program and on top of that two of the best o-line guys in the nation in Cristobal and Mirabal is great considering the o-line play in Miami hasn’t been the best recently. And my parents getting down getting to meet the coaches and see the campus again was great. Definitely enjoyed it and it left an amazing impression on me and my family.”
“The atmosphere in Coral Gables was amazing I loved it!” four-star offensive lineman Johnny Williams IV said. “What stands out about the program is that the coaches are 100 percent motivated to the team and the program, it felt great to be there! They’re in a great spot.”
Stay tuned as more reaction comes in.
