Miami rides momentum, lands Rivals250 linebacker
Miami’s 11th commitment of the 2019 recruiting cycle came in the form of four-star linebacker Anthony Solomon, the MVP of the Miami stop of the Rivals Camp Series presented by adidas. Solomon made things official with a tweet on Wednesday afternoon.
The situation:
Solomon committed to Miami on Wednesday afternoon, passing on offers from Michigan, Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia and others to do so. The Rivals250 linebacker is one of the most sought-after prospects in the state, and his commitment gives Miami 11 pledges in the class of 2019. Solomon is a gifted prospect, sure, but larger story is that of head coach Mark Richt’s staff developing into a certified force when it comes to recruiting the Sunshine State. Miami’s emergence on the recruiting trail since hiring Richt is nothing short of remarkable.
How it helps Miami
The momentum around Mark Richt’s program has shown zero signs of dying following last cycle’s top-five class. The Hurricanes continue to prove they are the state’s top recruiting program and the most desirable destination for in-state talent. And while Solomon’s commitment means on a macro level is the larger story here, the talent he brings to the table shouldn’t be overlooked. The Ft. Lauderdale St Thomas Aquinas star needs to add size before he’s ready to contribute in the ACC, but he has plenty of time to do so. For now, Solomon is a hyper-athletic linebacker that shines in coverage and possesses impressive ball skills. Should he maintain his versatility as he packs on muscle, his ceiling is incredibly high.
How it hurts the others:
Michigan was seen as the other major player in the race to land Solomon. Some even thought the Wolverines had an advantage or a slight lead. Turns out, those people were mistaking. This isn’t a particularly massive loss for Jim Harbaugh by any stretch, as you should never count on a four-star spurning the hometown school to travel halfway across the country for college. Still, it has to sting a little bit to see a talented prospect you once felt good about landing suddenly commit elsewhere
IN HIS WORDS:
"I was in the phone with the coaches and I told them that I wanted to commit to UM," Solomon told Rivals.com in a text. "They were just really excited to hear that. They can’t wait to see what the future has to hold and neither can I."