Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Hurricanes in the mix to get a visit from local 5-star prospect Inniss
PLANTATION — Since he was a freshman, American Heritage wide receiver Brandon Inniss has been one of the nation’s most sought-after football players. In that time, he has learned a lot about the recruiting process.
As he prepares for his senior season, the fivestar Patriots receiver is also preparing to make his college choice.
“Some things I’ve learned is you’ve got to be for you,” Inniss said. “The whole environment, the whole college decision you make has got to be for you. You’ve got to feel at home. You’ve got to feel right.”
Inniss, who is rated the No. 1 wide receiver and No. 10 player in the 2023 class by 247Sports’ composite rankings, was previously committed to Oklahoma but backed off his commitment after coach Lincoln Riley left the Sooners to go to USC.
Inniss has already lined up two of his five official visits, with trips to Alabama and Ohio State planned for June. The Hurricanes hope they are one of the remaining three.
“Miami will be in the mix, but right now I’m still looking at the rest of the three schools,” Inniss said. “I kind of, sort of have an idea but I don’t know for sure yet. When I do, I’ll release it.”
Inniss said he has heard from the Hurricanes coaching staff frequently since the new staff arrived in Coral Gables. He visited UM for Elite Prospect Day in January and went to a Miami practice in March.
“It’s been steady, staying in contact,” Inniss said. “Coach Cristobal has been texting me every other day, if not every day. So it’s been a good connection.”
Inniss has grown into a South Florida star since bursting onto the scene as an eighth-grader at University School. After two seasons with the Sharks, he played for TRU Prep Academy as a sophomore (University School did not field a football team in the pandemic-altered 2020 season) before transferring to American Heritage before the 2021 season.
Last year, Inniss took over quarterback duties for the Patriots after starter Blake Murphy suffered a season-ending injury. Inniss threw for 604 yards and seven touchdowns, ran for 308 yards with a pair of scores and had 17 catches for 341 yards and another two touchdowns.
Inniss has already become well-known in South Florida, and staying in the Sunshine State remains a possibility. The UM staff has been reminding Inniss and other local stars about the perks of staying close to home, and Inniss isn’t opposed to the idea. He said one Hurricanes commit, Miami Killian athlete Robby Washington, has spoken to him about joining the UM class.
“[The coaches have] not only been preaching staying home, but they’re getting some guys — [Miami commits] Robby and Bobby Washington, they stayed,” Inniss said. “They started to lead the group off.”