Out-of-state OL likes what he’s seeing from the Miami Hurricanes, visited for spring game: ‘Miami is working to get back on top’
After locking in an official visit with the Miami Hurricanes in June, Paramus (NJ) Catholic three-star offensive tackle Juan Minaya returned to South Florida for the Canes spring game Friday evening – it as his second unofficial visit to Miami.
The 6-foot-6, 330-pound lineman spent multiple days on campus and wrapped up his visit following the conclusion of the Hurricanes’ 2023 spring game.
“The visit was good, as was the spring game,” Minaya told CaneSport. “(It) was good to get to see some good football. It was a good vibe and a really good turnout for the spring game.”
Minaya, who is the No. 817 overall and No. 58 offensive lineman in the 2024 class according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, says the Hurricanes’ culture and heavy interest in him are what stand out about head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff.
“The culture,” Minaya said when asked what stood out the most about Miami. “I’m interested in them because they are interested in me.”
The No. 15 overall prospect out of New Jersey says the Hurricanes have relayed a simple but effective message to him throughout his recruitment.
“They say that they want good linemen from the northeast,” Minaya said.
Since earning his offer from the Hurricanes on April 7, Minaya has begun developing a strong relationship with not only Cristobal but Miami offensive line coach Alex Mirabal, who has led the recruitment efforts for the New Jersey native.
“Me and coach Mirabal have a really good relationship,” Minaya said. “His coaching style is really good.”
According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Hurricanes have jumped ahead of all programs and are currently the favorites to land Minaya with a 50.4% probability. Following the Hurricanes with the second and third highest odds are Penn State with a 22.6% probability and Maryland with a 10.1% probability.
“They are recruiting me at a high level,” Minaya said of the Hurricanes. “I want to be able to connect with players and visit officially.”
Following the multi-day visit, the Hurricanes made an indelible impression on Minaya after his stay in south Florida came to an end.
“Miami is working to get back to the top,” he said.
CaneSport’s take
Miami looks to be trending in the right direction for Minaya after multiple visits in the last two months with the Hurricanes. While Minaya says there are no leaders in his recruitment thus far, it appears like Miami is positioning itself as the team to beat.
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