Mario Cristobal meets the needs after signing day

Coral Gables, Florida – The Miami Hurricanes have addressed a number of needs with the fourth-ranked national recruiting class, which ranks first in the ACC.

With 25 players signed on Wednesday and four transfers as well, Mario Cristobal And the staff will be looking to add more pieces to the puzzle in hopes of improving on last season’s 5-7.

“We’re continuing to look for outside receivers,” Cristobal said. “We still need just a couple of guys to get a balanced roster and get normal numbers. Our numbers are down there and we’re also looking for defensive tackle—those are the two areas we haven’t fully addressed in this recruiting class.”

The early signing period began on Wednesday and runs until Friday while the transfer portal window remains open until January 18. The regular signing period begins on February 1.

With a number of departures already combined with incoming players and likely more movement with both of them in the future, it can be difficult to get past the NCAA’s 85 scholarship limit.

“I’m not looking at that now, I’m being honest,” Cristobal said. “Now we have to make sure we continue to work our way into the top 85 scholarship players, top 35 favorites and the universe as well. They have to tick the boxes and that’s a never-ending process. Roster evaluation, roster strengthening, talent acquisition and player development never ends. The numbers are good. I know. That you have to reach a certain number in the end. There is plenty of time and plenty of time so all systems work. We need to acquire more elite talents.”

Another addition Miami would like to add to the list is a five-star cornerback Cormani McClain, the second-best overall prospect in the country who was verbally committed to Miami in late October, but did not sign Wednesday. Coaches are allowed to speak publicly about unsigned players, but he was asked obliquely about his confidence in adding McClain.

“We’re hopeful and optimistic about every single person we’ve recruited because of the relationships and we’ve invested a great deal of time in these people both from a personal and professional standpoint,” Cristobal said.

Although Cristobal would like to add more receivers and defensive tackles to the mix, he’s happy with what they’ve signed up for in the four-star category. Nathaniel Joseph (No. 21 wide receiver) and four stars Ruby Washington (No. 27 Wide Receiver) Wide.

“The two players we got, we think are dynamic playmakers and when you set your recruitment board, they were top of the board,” said Cristobal. “They were indispensable guys, local guys, made of all the right things, and did all the right things. We got to see them on our 7-on-7s, we got to see them at camp and they’re exceptional because they’re elite racers who can turn a 5-yard hurdle.” to 80 yards. Sometimes it’s nice to send PAT field goal units instead of 2’s and 5’s, these guys can do it. They’re so passionate, they love Miami.”

Three stars Joshua Horton (No. 55 Defensive Tackle) He was the only inside defensive lineman ever signed by the Hurricanes.

“This is exactly what 3 techniques should look like,” said Cristobal. He’s over 6-4 and 285-290 lbs. You’ve probably seen the footage of him on Twitter dunking on his friends, and it didn’t work out too well with his friends, but this guy is an explosive jumbo athlete, natural passer, natural stopper, popping off his thighs That’s the best part about him, Coach Williams that we knew so well at Langston Hughes, great coach, culture, culture, culture. He got there and the first year they won two games. That’s what drew him to Miami. Then he capped his four-year career with winning a state title. You need To that and you want that in your team with guys who are willing to do what it takes to do it right and have seen the hard times, seen the building and been through some of the tough times, so I think it embodies all of those things and more.”

Christopher Stock has covered the Miami Hurricanes since 2003 and can be reached by email at stock@insidetheu.com And on Twitter @tweet.