Being a Miami Hurricanes fan, I was pleasantly surprised to see how well they did with their 2012 recruiting efforts. However, I am just about shocked to see that their recruiting prowess has not seemed to drop off one bit as their 2013 recruiting class is already looking to be a great one as well.
However, if I really think about it, there are five reasons in particular as to why the Miami Hurricanes should recruit well for 2013 and beyond, and these factors should reign supreme regardless of what is going on with the Hurricanes.
Reason One: Family
While it isn't always the case, family seems to play a big role in the recruiting for the Miami Hurricanes. There are many who have played for the Hurricanes in the past in order to follow to the footsteps of a loved one. The 2013 recruiting class already has two such stars with quarterback Kevin Olsen, whose brother played at Miami, and Ray Lewis III, whose famous father played for The U. With such a fine lineage to recruit with, the Miami Hurricanes will likely continue with their family success well into the future.
Reason Two: Tradition
Even though it has been awhile, the Miami Hurricanes are historically one of the powerhouse college football teams. The Hurricanes have five national titles in their history, and even though they haven't won at all since 2001, there are plenty of players who are dying to be part of the Canes' next national title.
Reason Three: Chance to Play
When Al Golden took over as the head coach his first depth chart drove home the point that he would reward those who gave him the most effort, regardless of past statistics or name recognition. In fact, in his first depth chart he had the eventual third-string quarterback listed as number one. It's this kind of policy that shows players that they can get into the starting lineup and prove they can make an impact if they just work hard enough. That makes selling a recruit a lot easier.
Reason Four: Location
A big reason that the University of Miami will always appeal to recruits is its location. Spending a lot of time in Miami still to this day I can attest to the fact that there is no shortage of fun in the city. The weather is great all year long and there are beaches everywhere. What more could a young college-bound athlete want?
Reason Five: NFL Production
The Miami Hurricanes football program is certainly known for getting their players to the next level. In fact, entering into the 2012 NFL preseason there are 60 former Miami Hurricanes players on NFL rosters. That is a huge number that makes me proud to be a Canes fan and likely makes the decision to go play at the University of Miami a real no-brainer for many student-athletes.
Jimmy Collins has been a loyal fan of "The U" since he was a child attending games at the original Orange Bowl. Still a resident of South Florida, he attends numerous Miami Hurricanes games each season and enjoys writing about NCAA Football and the Miami Hurricanes in particular.
More from this contributor:
Top Five University of Miami Football Game Day Traditions
Fan's View: Can the Miami Hurricanes Be the Dale Earnhardt Jr. of College Football?
