2025 Michigan commit LB Mantrez Walker lands Miami offer, will give Hurricanes a shot to sway him

Buford (Ga.) 2025 linebacker Mantrez Walker committed to Michigan Feb. 11, but that hasn’t stopped Miami from recruiting the fast-rising star.

Walker picked up an offer from linebackers coach Derek Nicholson last week as the Hurricanes begin their battle to pry the 5-foot-11, 215-pound commit away from the Wolverines. He’s already landed 16 Power Five offers from programs including Ohio State, Florida and Tennessee, and he’s willing to keep his recruitment open to check out his options.

“(I’m) locked in with Michigan, but it’s good to explore,” Walker said. “I’m interested to see what Miami has to offer for sure, the history of the program with arguably the greatest LB ever playing there in Ray Lewis. …(The) offer meant a lot. Just the history of Miami with them being the (alma mater) of a whole bunch of NFL greats. I was very excited. They want to get me down there for a visit soon.”

His offer marked the first contact he’s had with Miami’s coaching staff but he’s interested in visiting Coral Gables at some point. He said the Canes’ recruiting pitch focused on player development, Name, Image and Likeness opportunities and stability after his football career, although Miami faces an uphill battle if they want to flip Walker.

“I really like (Jim) Harbaugh, (him) staying is a big factor, and my relationship with their linebackers coach is very strong. So if he leaves that’ll play a big factor,” Walker said. “Other than that though, another program is just gonna have to show me what they can do for me that Michigan can’t and what about their program sets them apart from Michigan.”

South Carolina, Arkansas and Georgia Tech are also high for Walker according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine despite his commitment to Michigan. He’s visited South Carolina and Arkansas twice each but has visited Michigan twice in the last three months alone, which included a March trip in which he attempted to pitch other recruits.

He also has an upcoming visit set to LSU for April 6 and wants to visit Alabama, Oklahoma and Notre Dame this spring and summer.

CaneSport’s Take

Walker’s recruitment is clearly far from finished if he’s still listening to offers and allowing dialogues with other programs, and if he’s a “gettable” prospect I’d expect Miami to recruit him thoroughly. An unofficial visit to Coral Gables would reveal substantially more about the Canes’ level of interest in the fast-rising linebacker and how much he’s willing to consider Miami.

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