Recruit Breakdown: Girard Pringle Jr.

Miami secured a significant commitment this past Saturday from four-star running back Girard Pringle Jr. of Armwood High School. For Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes, this acquisition is monumental, marking the first time since 1987—when Trevor Weeks signed—that Miami has landed a player from Armwood. The 5’10”, 182-pound sprinter from Tampa boasts impressive stats, including a 10.56-second 100M dash time and substantial on-field production, amassing over 1,600 yards and 24 touchdowns. Pringle had received offers from elite programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Washington, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Florida and Auburn.

A prime target for Canes’ running back coach Matt Merritt, Pringle and Merritt developed a strong connection. As the 5’10”, 182-pound back’s recruitment surged this spring, with offers from top programs, Merritt was instrumental in positioning Miami at the top of Pringle’s list. Choosing to play for Merritt, Pringle found it an easy decision to commit to the Hurricanes after Merritt extended an offer upon his arrival in Miami. Pringle has visited Miami twice, with his second visit culminating in his commitment. The coaching staff is focused on enhancing explosiveness across all position groups, especially at running back and receiver, and aims to add at least one more running back to complement Pringle.

Mario Cristobal is prioritizing elite speed in his recruitment strategy. Pringle joins speedsters like Chris Johnson Jr. and Chris Wheatley-Humphries on the Canes’ roster, each capable of breaking through defenses to score. Pringle’s speed is immediately noticeable on film; his ability to evade tackles, combined with a measure of power, makes him difficult to stop. According to the Underclassman Report, Pringle ranks as the fourth fastest underclassman, with a 10.56-second track speed in the 100M.

Pringle’s decisive running style allows him to quickly find gaps in the defense without hesitation. His acute vision helps him anticipate plays, and his agility enables him to evade defenders in tight spaces. His strength and balance are notable for his size, making him a formidable opponent for any single-arm tackle attempt.

In addition to his running abilities, Pringle has reliable hands, making him a versatile threat as a wide receiver or in the return game. His balance and agility allow him to change direction swiftly and maintain his footing upon contact.

Miami’s current roster lacks a back with Pringle’s unique combination of speed, strength, vision, and decisiveness. While the team has power backs like Fletcher and Jordan Lyle, and speedsters like Chris Johnson Jr. and Chris Wheatley-Humphries, Pringle embodies a blend of these attributes, making him a highly sought-after recruit by powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia.

This commitment represents a significant victory for the Hurricanes, not only because of Pringle’s talent but also for breaking into Armwood, a recruitment area that had eluded Miami for decades.

Looking ahead, Miami aims to add a second running back to the class to compliment Pringle, and is considering prospects such as Akylin Dear, Ousmane Kromah, Byron Louis, Alvin Henderson, Jasper Parker, and Shekai Mills-Knight as potential targets.

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