National Signing Day a quiet one for Hurricanes

The December early signing period has taken some of the excitement away from February’s National Signing Day, as many of the nation’s top prospects signed their national letters of intent more than a month ago.

Some teams got in on the dramatics of Wednesday’s National Signing Day, with former Hurricanes commit Jaden Rashada signing with Arizona State — after a name, image and likeness fiasco led to him backing out of his commitment to Florida — and other touted prospects picking their schools.

But it was a relatively quiet day for Miami, which effectively wrapped up its high school recruiting class in December.

All but one person who was committed to Miami in December signed early. The only exception was fivestar cornerback Cormani McClain, who flipped his commitment to Colorado on Jan. 17. McClain signed with the Buffaloes on Wednesday.

Although no new high school prospects joined the Hurricanes on Wednesday, Miami did officially announce four new transfers: defensive lineman Branson Deen, offensive lineman Matt Lee, tight end Cam McCormick and cornerback Terry Roberts.

Deen, a former Purdue player, committed to Miami on Jan. 9. He had 28 tackles, four tackles for a loss and 2 ½ sacks. He was named an All-Big 10 honorable mention.

Lee announced he was transferring to Miami on Jan. 8. The former UCF center was one of the top-graded players at his position last season, earning an 83.6 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus.

McCormick is a college football veteran entering his eighth season in the college ranks. McCormick, whose injury history has led to his extended career, played for Mario Cristobal at Oregon. Last season the 6-foot-5, 260-pound tight end had 10 catches for 66 yards and three touchdowns.

Roberts, who committed to the Hurricanes on Jan. 23, comes to Coral Gables from Iowa. Roberts had 13 tackles and one interception for the Hawkeyes last year before a leg injury forced him out for the remainder of the season.

Without adding anyone else to its high school recruiting class, Miami ends the 2023 cycle with the No. 7 class in the nation, according to 247Sports’ recruiting rankings. It is the Hurricanes’ first top-10 class since 2018 and their highest-rated class since signing the nation’s top class in 2008.

Miami’s recruiting class includes five-star offensive tackles Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola; four-star defensive linemen Collins Acheampong, Rueben Bain, Joshua Horton and Jayden Wayne; four-star running backs Mark Fletcher and Chris Johnson; and four-star linebackers Raul Aguirre and Malik Bryant among others.