Harley commits to Miami

It may not of stopped many hearts, but Miami fans won’t mind the lack of drama. When Rivals250 wide receiver Mike Harley decided to commit to Miami, it seemed the culmination of a story to which many long knew the ending. From the moment he backed off his longstanding pledge to West Virginia weeks ago, a soft landing in Coral Gables was expected.

On Signing Day 2017, Harley made it official.

“It’s Miami,” Harley said by text prior to making things public.

The reasons for his decision were what you’d expect. The praise the wide receiver has for the in-state school is high. His love for Mark Richt’s program isn’t new, after all.

“Miami was always my dream school,” Harley said. “I felt comfortable when I visited. When Coach Richt was talking to me and my family, it was very emotional and very real.”

Of course the close proximity to his family home was in play as well. Harley cites his parents’ ability to attend most games as a major reason for his choice. Then, there were other, more education-based factors.

“Miami has better academics than the other schools that offered me,” Harley said.

Harley, who played his high school career at Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas High School, is the No. 18 wide receiver and No. 123 overall prospect in the class of 2017.