Miami Hurricanes’ coaches continue pounding the recruiting trail with the dead period over and national signing day just over two weeks out. A quality class has been in the works—once reaching 30 verbal commitments but having since backslid to 26 as intentions and circumstances have changed for some.
Four-star defensive tackle Travonte Valentine committed to the Hurricanes last July and remained solid until early January when Miami’s Al Golden was mentioned for the Penn State head coaching vacancy.
Valentine had LSU on his short list as early as October, and the 6’5″, 322-pounder made a decision in December to visit Baton Rouge late January—causing even more panic in Coral Gables after Valentine decommitted from Miami after “Goldengate.”
A silver lining for “The U” came soon thereafter in the form of Valentine’s high school coach Mike Tunsil, who spoke candidly with Manny Navarro at the Miami Herald regarding his player’s heart for the hometown program.
“Travonte just wants security,” said Tunsil, a few days into the new year. “He’s been saying UM for a long time. He loves UM. But for Coach Golden to go interview for another job was unsettling.”
Tunsil went on to explain that Valentine requested a sit-down with Golden in order to “make sure everyone is on the same page.” The Hialeah Champagnat head coach also explained that his talented tackle still envisions playing for the University of Miami, welcomes smaller-sized classes and likes the idea of remaining close to local family.
With coaches finally able to go full-bore again on the recruiting front, Miami has understandably been all over Valentine, proving he’s a top priority.
Mark D’Onofrio (defensive coordinator), Jethro Franklin (defensive line) and Hurlie Brown (running backs) visited the tackle late last week, which Valentine said helped the overall process, according to the Miami Herald‘s Safid Deen.
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