Flagg commits, helps address position of need
It has been a busy few weeks on the recruiting front for Manny Diaz and his staff in recent weeks and on Monday, they got even more proof their efforts are working.
Corey Flagg, a three-star linebacker out of Houston’s North Shore High, verbally committed to Miami’s 2020 recruiting class, announcing his decision on Twitter.
“Poppa Caster, this one for you,” Flagg wrote, posting a video of himself being congratulated by members of the Hurricanes’ coaching staff during his recent visit to Coral Gables. He added the hashtag “Committed.”
Not long after his announcement, both Diaz and Hurricanes defensive coordinator Blake Baker — both of whom teased fans on social media Sunday night with hints of a potential impending commitment — retweeted Flagg’s post.
The 5-foot-10, 223-pound Flagg is the second linebacker to pledge to the Hurricanes this recruiting cycle, joining three-star outside linebacker Alvin Mathis, who committed to Miami last month.
Both will position of Hurricanes, help address a need for the who will lose veterans Shaq Quarterman, Mike Pinckney and Zach McCloud after the 2019 season.
Miami’s linebacking corps was also depleted by injuries in the spring, with Bradley Jennings Jr. and Waynmon Steed both missing time. Fellow linebacker De’Andre Wilder missed all of last season after hurting his neck during training camp.
Diaz said last week he’s unsure whether Jennings or Steed will be available for the start of camp next month and added that UM is still gathering information on whether Wilder will be able to play football again.
Because of all those injuries, the Hurricanes were forced to move former defensive lineman Patrick Joyner to linebacker toward the end of spring drills. He is expected to remain at the position in the fall.
Flagg, who is rated the No. 34 inside linebacker in the nation by recruiting site 247Sports.com, chose Miami after considering offers from Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech, Purdue, Boston College, Texas Tech and Tulane, among others.
According to 247Sports, Flagg was an all-district team selection as a junior after collecting 144 tackles. He was clocked as running a 4.92 in the 40-yard dash at The Opening in Houston earlier this year.
Flagg is the 16th player to commit to Miami’s 2020 recruiting class, which is currently ranked sixth in the nation and second in the ACC behind only defending national champion Clemson.