Chad Thomas Key To Miami’s ’14 Class

While there’s been tremendous focus on the Miami Hurricanes losing a few verbal commits from a highly ranked 2014 recruiting class, the ultimate cornerstone remains in place—for now.

All signs point to Chad Thomas staying true to “The U”—which should be job No. 1 for Al Golden and staff as “signing day” approaches. The Hurricanes must keep the uber-talented 5-star defensive end on board so Miami can continue laying a proper foundation for the future.

Whatever was or wasn’t said between Golden and Penn State—it was enough for defensive tackle Travonte Valentine to re-open his recruiting, while defensive end Demetrius Jackson is also keeping his options open. Valentine is looking at LSU while Jackson has set up a visit to Texas Tech—where current high school teammate and recent Miami decommit Nigel Bethel II appears to be headed.

Defensive line has been an issue at Miami for upwards of a decade. Year after year, it seems the Hurricanes miss out on top prospects—for countless reasons—leaving the position void of necessary depth and talent.

This offseason marks the second time in three years that Miami’s defensive line will be picked apart, one way or another. The Hurricanes are losing seniors Curtis Porter, Luther Robinson and Shayon Green, as well as one-year transfer options David Gilbert and Justin Renfrow.

In 2011, it was a mass exodus caused by graduation and early departures when Marcus Robinson, Micanor Regis, Adewale Ojomo, Olivier Vernon and Marcus Forston all moved on. A year later, the lack of line depth was a big reason Miami finished 116th of 120 Division-I teams in total defense.

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