What started as a “home run” in the early signing period as described by Mark Richt turned into a flat-out win for Miami Hurricanes football on Wednesday.
The Canes locked in what is currently the No. 8 ranked 2018 recruiting class in the country on National Signing Day – the first top-10 class for the program since 2012.
Four players officially signed Wednesday morning, adding to the 19 that signed in December.
“I am thrilled about our 2018 recruiting class – one of the best ones I’ve ever been involved in,” Richt said. “We covered all our needs.”
Five-star running back Lorenzo Lingard, four-star quarterback Jarren Williams, four-star tight end Brevin Jordan, four-star defensive tackle Nesta Silvera, four-star wide receiver Mark Pope and four-star cornerback Al Blades Jr. highlight the class.
Silvera announced his decision on national television Wednesday morning while putting on a Miami ball cap.
“I think he is the best three-technique [defensive tackle] in the state,” Richt said. “He was very excited over the phone.”
“I think he is the best three-technique [defensive tackle] in the state.” – Richt says of four-star signee Nesta Silvera from American Heritage High School. Richt also talks about Marquez Ezzard, Nigel Bethel and Jordan Miller. pic.twitter.com/Ql5t4KiBwr
— Isaiah Kim-Martinez (@isaiah_km) February 7, 2018
Former Hurricanes defensive tackle and current radio host Dan Sileo, who was a key component on the 1987 championship team, said he is “thrilled to death” about what Richt and his staff are doing for the program.
“They are winning back the city of Miami,” Sileo said. “The previous coaching staff destroyed many relationships and Coach Richt is winning them back.”
Sileo is known as one of the strongest Miami players ever. He holds the program records for bench press and squat at 535 and 700 pounds, respectively.
“They have to address the quarterback spot and get deeper in the secondary and the defensive line, but inside of five years, Miami will be in the title game,” Sileo said.
Here is the class breakdown by national ranking:
5-star:
Lorenzo Lingard – RB, No. 25
4-star:
Brevin Jordan – TE, No. 33
Nesta Silvera – DT, No. 54
Mark Pope – WR, No. 67
Jarren Williams – PRO, No. 77
“Malik is our starting quarterback, but he, like everybody else, needs to prove that it should stay that way.” – Richt. He also commented about four-star quarterback Jarren Williams. pic.twitter.com/F70isBfumo
— Isaiah Kim-Martinez (@isaiah_km) February 7, 2018
Al Blades Jr. – CB, No. 97
Cornerbacks coach Mike Rumph talks new talent for 2018. @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/JNLSB157Eo
— Isaiah Kim-Martinez (@isaiah_km) February 7, 2018
Delone Scaife – OG, No. 148
Brian Hightower – WR, No. 153
Cam’Ron Davis – RB, No. 172
Gurvan Hall – S, No. 184
Gilbert Frierson – CB, No. 200
Will Mallory – TE, No. 211
Cleveland Reed – OG, No. 259
Marquez Ezzard – ATH, No. 345
Wide receivers coach Ron Dugans talks Mark Pope, Brian Hightower and newly signed Marquez Ezzard. @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/B15cPow8v1
— Isaiah Kim-Martinez (@isaiah_km) February 7, 2018
D.J. Ivey – CB, No. 351
3-Star:
Daquris Wiggins – WR, No. 463
John Campbell – OT, No. 480
Gregory Rousseau – WDE, No. 484
Patrick Joyner – WDE, No. 668
Jordan Miller – DT, N/A
Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz reacts to National Singing Day. @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/wYE56eE6fz
— Isaiah Kim-Martinez (@isaiah_km) February 7, 2018
Nigel Bethal – CB, N/A
Realus George – FB, N/A
Bubba Baxa – K, N/A
“We’re another class away from having 85 guys who can really play championship football,” Richt said. “If we keep signing at this rate, there will be plenty of happy Hurricanes fans.”