Local LB breaks down his top schools and Miami Hurricanes: ‘They’ve got that juice for sure’
The Miami Hurricanes have made the final cut for 2024 Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez.
The three-star South Florida native listed Miami among a group that also features the likes of Ohio State, Tennessee, LSU, Louisville, and West Virginia, and he goes in-depth on why the Hurricanes are among his top schools.
“It’s a good program, and they’ve had good linebackers there,” Rodriguez told CaneSport. “The coaching staff looks good, and I like what coach Dnic (Derek Nicholson) is doing with the linebackers.
Since attending Miami’s junior day/spring practice No. 1, the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder’s interest has grown in the program after meeting the coaching staff and watching practice.
“They’ve got that juice for sure,” Rodriguez said. “They have great energy over there, so it’s always good to go to Miami. When I was a kid, I saw UM everywhere. Now I get the opportunity to go check them out and potentially play somewhere like that.”
Rodriguez, who is the No. 610 overall prospect in the 2024 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, is in the midst of building a strong relationship with Nicholson, who has led his recruitment efforts thus far alongside former St. Thomas Aquinas coach and current Hurricanes defensive line coach Jason Taylor.
“My relationship with Dnic (Nicholson) is building, and I’ve been talking with coach Taylor too,” Rodriguez said. “They’re telling me how I’m an athlete and how I can play, help out on the field, and make an impact with my versatility.”
According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Ohio State is the current favorite to land Rodriguez with a 44.6% probability after recently overtaking Miami, which was long at the top of the list but now sits behind the Buckeyes with a 20.0% chance.
With his junior season in the books, Rodriguez believed that now was the best time for him to focus on those select programs, as he aims to make his decision in June and be committed prior to his senior year.
“The spring is wrapping up, and I’m trying to be focused on those schools and play my senior season committed,” Rodriguez said. “I’ll be looking to see how I fit in the program and the brotherhood. Also, where can get me to the next level.”
Thus far, Rodriguez has two official visits scheduled with Ohio State and Louisville. He is also planning to take official visits to Miami and Tennessee before committing.
The biggest factor in his final decision?
“A place where I can call home,” Rodriguez said.
CaneSport’s take
At the moment, Ohio State and Tennessee seem to be the frontrunners in the race for Rodriguez’s services but don’t count out the Hurricanes just yet. With Miami recently landing a commitment from Miami Central linebacker Vincent Shavers and also signing six linebackers through high school and transfers in the 2023 cycle, it will be interesting to see how many they are looking to bring on board in the 2024 class.
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