The Miami Hurricanes are continuing to focus on adding some of the top players in the nation to the 2024 class and the running back position is no exception. The Canes have committed running back Chris Wheatley-Humphrey and are planning to add one more back to complete the class. Unlike the defensive and offensive line, where the Canes have cast a wide net, they have been much more selective when it comes to the running back position. One of those targets, Chauncey Bowens came off the board when he flipped his commitment from Florida to Georgia. Here then are the top targets that the Hurricanes are after:
Chris Wheatley-Humphrey (Commit)
Chris “Hell Cat” Wheatley-Humphrey got things started for Miami as the first running back to commit to the 2024 class. The standout from South Broward is a composite three-star according to 247 Sports Composite. Humphrey racked up 1,166 yards and eight touchdowns in seven games averaging 16.7 YPC. Humphrey also had six catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. Hell Cat is criminally underrated as he is perhaps the most explosive back in the nation. As a freshman he ran an 11.5, 100m and although he hasn’t tested lately, he told me that he is now much faster. I expect Humphrey to have a meteoric rise similar to another three-star last year, Chris Johnson. Humphrey’s speed and explosiveness is something the Canes have been lacking for a long time and adding him to the mix alongside last year’s offensive weapons Chris Johnson, Robby Washington and Nathaniel Joseph, will bring back the “Miami Speed” that has been lacking for years.
Jerrick Gibson
Gibson is ranked as the number two running back in the 247 Sports Composite. Gibson who stands at 5’10 and weighs 200 lbs, has a laser-timed 4.5, 40 yd dash speed and is an explosive back that makes high school defenses look silly with his balance and elusiveness on the open field. Gibson transferred from Jonesboro to IMG, where the Canes are currently recruiting a slew of his teammates who they hope to add as they did last year. He is the complete package in terms of a running back as he can block, and also has good hands which make him a threat in the passing game. Gibson has offers from all the top programs in the country, but this is a Miami and Texas battle. LifeWalletSports Recruiting insider Geo Millian reported last Thursday on a LifeWalletSports Twitter space, that there was growing confidence in the building about Miami’s chances with Gibson. Texas took the number one running back in the nation in Cedric Baxter, who is on pace to become their starting running back this season.
Gibson loves the Canes, the fact that Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola are part of the Hurricanes offensive line and the allure of immediate playing time. Miami crushed their official visit with Gibson and despite the fact that the crystal balls favor Texas, this is a 50-50 recruitment as of today.
Kevin Riley
Riley is one of the best backs in the nation and is ranked the number sixth back by the 247 Sports Composite. A 5’11 195lb back from Tuscaloosa Alabama, Riley is a complete back. He has great balance and is a shifty runner that can change directions, and break tackles as a result of his strength. Riley currently has 26 offers, including from the hometown team Alabama. Miami is in a very good position to land his services ahead of his official visit. DMoney founder of CanesInsight and a recruiting insider recently stated that although Nick Saban covets Riley, some within Riley’s inner circle would like to see Riley out of the Cotton State. Expect Miami to push real hard this weekend for a commitment, they have Riley as high as anyone on their offensive board and would easily close out the running back room with his commitment.
Ca’lil Valentine
Valentine is a four star back from Arizona. The 6’0 180lb running back rushed for 1,347 yards in ten games his junior season. He is another back that can hurt you in the passing game as he caught 22 passes for 395 yards last year. He hosts 19 offers including Utah, Arizona and Oregon. Miami has continued to keep contact with Valentine throughout his recruitment.
With Humphrey already in the fold, Miami will go all out for Gibson and Riley. At this point, it is a race to see who will commit between those two, and it is very possible that we may have our answer as soon as next week. What is known is that Miami has done an incredible job recruiting the running back position this year and is in prime position to bring in two blue chippers this year.
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