WHALE Hunting…
- ljm623
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Miami’s 2026 recruiting class currently has 23 verbal commitments, ranking the class at #12 in the country. We all know Mario Cristobal wants to stack talent again. Specifically, another top ten class. That’s nothing new. But we also know the Canes have had only one commitment over the last two months, despite a smoking hot start to the season.
What’s up with that?
The buzz around the program suggests Cristobal and his staff have decided to go “whale hunting.” They have been busy with senior season evaluations. Cristobal places very high value on in-season evaluations. Some suggest Cristobal wants to apply his final resources (time, staff focus, NIL) on players he feels are difference makers.
If true, who are some potential blue chip prospects Miami will focus on over the last 60 days before the early signing period? From all sources and reports, here are six key targets for consideration.
WR Calvin Russell
Hometown: Miami, FL School: Northwestern
HT: 6'-5" | WT: 190 | Offers: 52 | Rating: 97 | Pos. Rank: 5 | Overall Rank: 51
Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Syracuse commit
Summary: Multi-sport athlete (basketball and track & field). "Gifted athlete with chance to be special on Saturdays and potentially even Sundays with his tools. Viewed as one of the top overall offensive talents."
DB Justice Fitzpatrick* Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL School: St. Thomas Aquinas
HT: 6'-0.5" | WT: 185 | Offers: 43 | Rating: 98 | Pos. Rank: 4 ATH | Overall Rank: 43
Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: UGA commit
OV: 6/6/25 | UOV: 9/9/23
Summary: Versatile, can play safety or corner | Multi-sport athlete (track); 11.00 (2.6) in the 100, 22.06 (1.2) in the 200 and 53.63 in the 400. | 2023: 13 tackles, 2 INT and 2 PBU | Long relationship with Cristobal
EDG Anthony "Tank" Jones*
Hometown: Mobile, AL School: St. Paul's Episcopal
HT: 6'-3.5" | WT: 240 | Offers: 37 | Rating: 98 | Pos. Rank: 4 | Overall Rank: 20
Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Oregon commit
OV: 5/30/25 UOV: ---
Summary: 2024: 84 tackles, 18 TFL, and 16 sacks | 247Sports - "...elite get-off, can dip and bend and has great closing speed. Has the athleticism to chase down plays from behind and shows a crazy motor. Natural pass rusher at an early age and knows how to use his hands and can win with multiple counters... ceiling is extremely high and if he stays healthy and continues to develop at his current rate, there’s no reason why he won’t be playing on Sunday.
RB Derrek Cooper
Hometown: Hollywood, FL School: Chaminade-Madonna
HT: 6'-1" | WT: 205 | Offers: 32 | Rating: 97 | Pos. Rank: 4 ATH | Overall Rank: 48
Status: COMMITTED. | Top Tier: Texas commit
Summary: Will attend ND-Miami game | commitment on July 20th | OV - May 30-June 1 Multple UOV to Miami | Elite two-way player | In 2024, 905 yards (9.3 YPC), 13 TDs, 9 pass recep for 156 yards and a TD.
DT James Johnson*
Hometown: North Fort Myers, FL School: North Fort Myers
HT: 6'-2.5" | WT: 285 | Offers: 36 | Rating: 97 | Pos. Rank: 7 | Overall Rank: 60
Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Texas commit
UOV 3/22 | OV 6/6-8
Summary: Quick, versatile lineman; can play multiple position | 2023: 51 tackles (13 TFL), 13 QBH, 7 sacks and 3 FF | Long relationship with Miami DT coach Damione Lewis. | Tough pull
DL Bryce Perry-Wright
Hometown: Buford, GA School: Buford
HT: 6'-2" | WT: 250 | Offers: 42 | Rating: 97 | Pos. Rank: 2 | Overall Rank: 45
Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Texas A&M commit
OV: 6/6/25 UOV: 4/5/25
Summary: Project at DT at next level | Will need to put on mass to be ready for college level. | In 2023, registered 51 tackles (9 TFL), 13 QBH and 7.5 sacks.
BOTTOM LINE:
Such a huge recruiting haul down the home stretch would yield a 29-man 2026 class. According to the 247Sports Composite ratings and rankings, Miami’s class would score 303.59. In 2025, such a score would have resulted in the #3 class. In 2024, that score would land Miami the #3 class. In 2023, this class would have finished at #4. Finally, in 2022 the class would stand at #4.
That’s Big Whale Hunting!
GO CANES!
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