Futch talks about his decision

Rivals100 linebacker Jordan Futch committed to the University of Miami this afternoon. The Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna product talked about his decision, which came as no surprise, in an interview with Rivals.com on Wednesday afternoon.

"After I talked to (Hurricanes) head coach Randy Shannon and the rest of the coaching staff following camp, I got a great feel for the coaches and for the program," Futch said. "(Shannon) is going to turn Miami around. He's going to build it back, but to do so, he needs recruits like myself, like (five-star cornerback) Patrick Johnson and (Rivals250 guard) Brandon Washington.

"Me and my family got the chance to sit down and talk about the decision and we felt like it was best to go ahead and commit. So, I called coach Shannon and told him I was coming."

Futch is the first verbal commitment for new Hurricanes linebackers coach Michael Barrow, who in his first season as an assistant coach at the place he starred in college.

"He was a real, cool guy," Futch said. "He's a Christian guy and so I am so that was important to me, too. He told me everything there was to know about Miami. He told me all of the ins and outs, the good, the bad and the ugly, everything. He didn't even really talk about recruiting a whole lot."

By lassoing a good chunk of the elite talent in South Florida, the Canes have gotten off to a great start this recruiting cycle. Futch intends to help continue the flow of local talent to Coral Gables.

"I'm going to keep trying to talk to the guys about coming," Futch said. "A lot of the guys talk like they are going to come, but until they make that phone call, you never know. Guys like Brandon Harris, Aldarius Johnson, Tommy Streeter, Jacory Harris, Davon Johnson, all of them are guys that need to come to Miami."

There are five linebackers in the Rivals100 from the state of Florida. Futch is the first one to commmit to the Canes. Miami Krop standout Etienne Sabino and Homestead's Marcus Robinson also are major Miami targets.

Futch is the second verbal commitment for the Canes stemming from the recently-completed prospect camp. Miami Booker T. Washington athlete Thearon Collier switched his commitment from Auburn to Miami this weekend.

Futch is the ninth verbal commitment for Miami in this year's class and the seventh from South Florida (Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties).