Live From The Crib: Updates on top Miami commits and targets from American Heritage vs. Chaminade Madonna

After a big win over Bethune-Cookman Thursday evening, Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal and wide receivers coach Kevin Beard hit the recruiting trails all across South Florida before ending their day at American Heritage Friday evening as the Patriots matched up against Chaminade Madonna. 

With several Miami commits and top prospects in action during the matchup, Cristobal and Beard got a great first-hand look at many of their top 2024, 2025, and 2026 targets.

Stealing the show within the first 12 minutes of the game was Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Five-Star Plus+ 2024 receiver Jeremiah Smith, who is the No. 1 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking. By the end of the first quarter, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound prospect had hauled in two touchdowns, which helped lead the Lions to a 28-16 victory over the Patriots and remain unbeaten this season.

Although Smith is still committed to Ohio State, the Hurricanes have remained relentless in their pursuit of the elite pass catcher, who will be taking a visit to Hard Rock Stadium for Miami’s Oct. 7 game against Georgia Tech.

“I like how (Miami’s) offense is looking, the way the program is going in the right direction,” Smith said. “I just like the way Miami is looking right now. I’ve just got to wait and see how they do for the rest of the season.”

Although Smith and the Lions were happy with Friday night’s outcome, he understands there is still work to do as the Hurricanes set to face off against Miami Central next week.

“We’ve definitely got to clean up for Central. That’s a big school down here. They’re a high-ranked school. So we definitely have to clean up all of our mistakes, but we’ll be straight by next week.”

Notable performers from Friday’s contest

Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna 2025 receiver Joshisa Trader.

In his first game back since the Lions’ week one victory over St. Frances after suffering a minor shoulder injury, Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade four-star receiver Joshisa Trader picked up right where he left off in front of his future receivers coach.

“It was a great experience,” Trader said. “I knew they were watching me, so I knew I had to pay attention to the details of what I did and couldn’t slack on anything.”

When asked about his fellow teammate Smith and Miami’s effort to flip him, Trader seemed pretty confident the Hurricanes will do so.

“I’m really trying to get my boy to The U,” Trader said. “It’s going to happen, so just chill.”

Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna 2025 safety Zaquan Patterson 

Like Trader, Patterson also had the chance to play in front of his future head coach Friday evening, and the four-star prospect did not disappoint.

“I was a little nervous because I didn’t want to mess up in front of coach,” Patterson said. “As the game went on, I kind of forgot about it and played my game. I’m pretty sure he liked what he saw.”

As far as Miami’s 3-0 start, the Hurricanes’ early success is something that he expected this season.

“I think they’re taking the steps to become the old Miami,” Patterson said.

Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage 2026 receiver Malachi Toney and quarterback Dia Bell 

Despite the loss, the Patriots young duo impressed throughout the matchup after a somewhat slow start. During Miami’s last two home games against Texas A&M and Bethune-Cookman, both Bell and Toney were in attendance, and both have been thoroughly impressed by what they’ve seen from the Hurricanes thus far.

“That’s how they’re supposed to be,” Toney said. “I don’t get surprised when they go turn up, because that’s what they’re supposed to do.”

“Miami’s a great place,” Bell said. “Coach Shannon Dawson’s a great coach. I’m just trying to keep building my relationship with him as I go on in my process.”

Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage 2025 defensive back Greg Thomas

Tasked with guarding Trader throughout the game, Thomas held his own against the Miami commit and even caught an interception, which he almost returned for six. As of late, Thomas’s recruiting stock has risen, and the Hurricanes are well in the mix.

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