Paradise Camp Brings Out Elite Talent from All Levels

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Coral Gables, FL — The marquee event for Miami Hurricanes recruiting was a success once again. ‘Paradise Camp,’ invites Hurricane alumni to train and mentor high school football players from across the nation.  There were over 300 campers in attendance to soak in knowledge from the current and former NFL stars. 

List of Hurricane Alums in Attendance:

Michael Irvin

Calais Campbell

Gregory Rousseau

Antrel Rolle

Edgerrin James

Sean Spence 

David Njoku

Kenny Phillips

Lamar Miller

Najeh Davenport

Shedrick Redwine

Duane Starks

Brett Romberg

Jose Borregales

Jon Beason

Lamar Thomas

Jaelen Phillips

KJ Osborn

Joaquin Gonzalez

Calais Campbell, Defensive End, Baltimore Ravens

The camp kicked off with player introductions and a pre-camp speech by NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin.

Michael Irvin gives pre-game speech at #ParadiseCamp @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/irsFiDigcM

— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) June 26, 2021

“They are hanging on every word [from Michael Irvin] which is great,” said Head Coach Manny Diaz.  “Then we broke up into individual groups where the alumni could speak to their position group. You’re talking about a group that not just been in the NFL but dominated the NFL, it’s just phenomenal to see.”

Current Notable Miami Hurricanes In Attendance:

D’Eriq King

Tyler Van Dyke

Jake Garcia

James Williams

Nesta Silvera

DJ Ivey

Al Blades Jr.

Leonard Taylor

Andy Borregales

Cam’Ron Harris

Don Chaney Jr.

Navaughn Donaldson

Avantae Williams 

Kamren Kinchens

Zach McCloud

Romello Brinson

Jacolby George

The Nations Best Attend Paradise Camp

For many of the campers, it was the first time they set foot on the campus of the University of Miami.  The majority of the participants were generally from the state of Florida or the southeast, but this camp had a national feel.  

“I love Miami, it reminds me of home,” said Kekahi Graham, 2023 quarterback from St. Louis High School in Hawaii.  “I definitely want to come back here. I love everything about Miami.”

Graham, recruited by offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, hails from the same high school that has produced Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota.  Hawaii did not have a season last year due to COVID-19 restrictions and is uncertain if there will be football on the islands in 2021.  The junior quarterback will likely play in Utah with the guarantee to gain more game film for Lashlee and others to review.  Graham undoubtedly is a quarterback to watch for the 2023 cycle. 

Miami @CanesFootball @Coach_MannyDiaz on recruiting:

“there’s a lot of schools that kind of try to press the kids to try to commit, I think they try to get some fake momentum because of that and that’s fine, they can win the #recruiting bake-off in the month of June.” pic.twitter.com/HuinYaVFmF

— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) June 27, 2021

Other quarterbacks impressing on the day were 2022 Columbus quarterback Fernando Mendoza and 2024  Deerfield Beach quarterback Michael Merdinger.

Michael Merdinger, Quarterback, Deerfield Beach

Impressing on the day as well was David “DJ” Hicks from perennial Texas powerhouse Allen High School.  The 6-4, 255 defensive end also plays basketball and loves the feel of Miami.  

One of the most impressive and consistent players at the @CanesFootball #ParadiseCamp was 2023 Texas product DJ Hicks @DJ2g23. pic.twitter.com/fGNxMPFkvG

— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) June 27, 2021

“I really like it here and definitely will come back,” said Hicks.  “I definitely would put Miami as one of my top schools.” 

Hicks is considered a five-star prospect and has received offers from Alabama and Clemson.

In previous years, the Hurricanes would have half of the class already established, but obviously due to the restrictions with COVID-19 student-athletes have not been allowed on campus until this month of June.  Miami has currently only four committed prospects for the 2022 class.

“Most of our visitors in the past few years had already been committed and it was kind of like a big party when they were here, like a big celebration,” said Coach Diaz.  “This is a little bit more unique, but you still feel that urgency but at the same time you still recognize signing day is a long way away, there’s a lot of ball to be played. I just think the 2022 class in general is just going to be unique.”

Local Elite Talent Work Out At Paradise

Of the rising seniors that did make it to Paradise Camp, were edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. and teammate Earl Little Jr.  Jones, Jr., the Florida State legacy, displayed superior technique compared to most of if not all of the other campers.  

American Heritage @AH__Athletics edge rusher @FSUFootball legacy @marvinjonesjrr at the @CanesFootball #paradisecamp. pic.twitter.com/knlVCGFZAM

— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) June 27, 2021

Little Jr., the Miami legacy, decided the morning of the camp that he would attend and compete at Paradise.  

“I talked to DVD [Demarcus Van Dyke, Miami Hurricanes defensive backs coach] and he convinced me to come out and compete,” said Little.  “I’m glad I came out.”  

Little Jr. said he enjoyed his visits to USC, Oregon, and Alabama but will keep his options open and decide later this year.  

Shemar Stewart, the highly regarded defensive lineman from Miami Monsignor Pace high school was also in attendance but did not work out at the camp.  It was his fourth time visiting the Hurricanes this month and likes the vibes of the school, but does not plan to decide on his future school until December.

“The visits have just been good vibes,” said the 6-5, 260-pound five-star prospect.  “I came over here chilling with my friends, chilling with the people I know. Paradise was good.”

Plenty of Playmakers In Attendance

Raising eyebrows were also wide receiver prospects Andy Jean and Sean Wilson. Wilson, from Canarsie High School in New York, uses his big frame to outmuscle defenders for the football.  

New York prospect Sean Wilson @Iamseanwilson_ impressed at the @CanesFootball #ParadiseCamp. Watch the 6-5, 210 prospect come down with the football while being blanketed. pic.twitter.com/ODjITsgiiJ

— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) June 28, 2021

Jean, from Miami Northwestern, is another impressive pass-catcher from the 2023 class.  The junior is a sharp route runner who gets upfield in a hurry once he gets his hands on the football. 

Andy Jean, 2023 wide receiver from @mnwbullsfootba1, were one of the standouts at the @CanesFootball #ParadiseCamp Saturday night. pic.twitter.com/53u5XgwTa0

— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) June 28, 2021

Other notable elite 2023 wide receivers in attendance were Brandon Inniss, American Heritage (Plantation), Nathaniel Joseph, Miami Edison, and Jalen Brown, Miami Gulliver. 

Javin Simpkins was fluid catching the football at Paradise Camp. The running back from Miami Norland and Georgia Tech commit is a sharp route runner and likely will be a high priority for the Miami running back class in 2023.

Javin Simpkins, Running Back, Miami Norland

Notable Hurricane targets not in attendance were 2022 linebacker Wesley Bissainthe, 2023 wide receiver Santana Fleming and 2022 defensive back Jacolby Spells.

“They can evaluate you as a coach and as a teacher and compare that to other places that they’ve gone,” said Diaz.  “We probably have more 23s and 24s at paradise than what we normally have, because the 22s, the rising seniors, they’re all on visits or they’re not working out.”