5 questions regarding David Stone’s recruitment as Miami looks to make move with the Oklahoma commitment

Oklahoma City (Okla.) native and IMG Academy product David Stone, a Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman and the No. 8 overall prospect in the 2024 class, may have committed to the Sooners over Miami last month, but his recruitment is far from over.

The Hurricanes are still a contender for the 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive lineman who hangs his hat on his speed, physicality and technique, and Miami isn’t expected to end its recruiting effort until pen hits paper during the Early Signing Period. Stone narrowly chose the Sooners over Miami, and the Canes shouldn’t be overlooked in his recruitment … especially with UM off to a hot start this season and ranked No. 20.

Here are five questions we have for Stone’s recruitment now that he’s committed to the Sooners.

How does Oklahoma’s “no visits after committing” rule affect the final four months of Stone’s recruitment?

+++ Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables doesn’t allow commits to visit other programs after committing — a rule the Sooners’ second-year program leader brought from Clemson — but we’ve seen similar rules haven’t stopped blue-chip recruits from taking secret visits before. Miami is still fighting for Stone and won’t give up until signing day, but the Sooners’ “no visits” rule raises questions about the strategy the Canes will employ for the next four months — if they’ll just make as many trips to Bradenton as possible to watch his high school games and/or if they’ll attempt to sneak him down for secret visits. And, by similar reasoning, if the Sooners will make an exception for Stone and how he views the no-visits rule.

Will and when will Stone visit Miami again?

+++ So that being said, will Stone take a secret visit to Coral Gables this fall, or will he effectively shut down his recruitment after being one of the country’s most sought-after defensive linemen? We know Miami would have undoubtedly brought him back to campus for additional unofficial visits had he remained uncommitted, but, barring exceptions Oklahoma makes to its “no visits” rule for its commits, any visits he takes between now and signing day would have to be done in secret. So if he does visit Miami, would the Canes still consider bringing him down for a game day visit for a marquee game to experience Hard Rock at its best, or would they prefer to keep Stone close to campus and out of the limelight?

How many trips will he make to Norman?

+ We can’t forget Oklahoma’s place in his recruitment either. Stone committed to the Sooners — effectively his hometown team — for good reasons, and Oklahoma was the frontrunner for most of his recruitment. The Hurricanes made a strong push in the month before his commitment, but the Sooners were viewed as the favorite for most of his recruitment and are still the favorites to ultimately sign Stone in December. The Sooners aren’t expected to let up in their recruiting effort and will ensure he makes trips to Norman, but how many times will Oklahoma try to bring him back to campus as the Sooners look to shore up their relationship?

Does Miami make its final push now, or does it wait until December?

+ It’s a matter of “when”, not “if” the Canes make their final recruiting push. So does Miami make its final push now, attempt to capitalize on the momentum it generated in August and cause Stone to quickly flip away from the Sooners, or should the Canes play the long game, wait until the December contact period and see if they can get Stone to back away from the Sooners just before signing day? Miami has reason to be hopeful regardless of the path it chooses.

What role will family opinion play in Stone’s final decision?

+ Stone’s decision to commit to the Sooners was ultimately his, but it’s been well documented head coach Mario Cristobal and co-defensive line coach Jason Taylor both made strong impressions on Stone’s family and played a significant role in Miami’s chances. The Canes likely need to continue working the family angle as well, and it will be interesting to see the role his family plays — if any — ahead of signing day.

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