Miami amping up recruitment efforts for South Florida speedster
For the third time in the last week, Miami (Fla.) Palmetto wide receiver Jacory Barney returned to Coral Gables for an unofficial visit with the Miami Hurricanes, who have recently stepped up their recruitment efforts for the South Florida native.
After not hearing much from the Hurricanes following their January offer, the three-star prospect says Miami is now ‘all in.’
“It’s good to see that they’re finally all in on me,” Barney told CaneSport. “They haven’t seen my talent in person, but now they have and can see I could do everything they need.”
On the front line leading Miami’s push for Barney, who is the No. 413 overall prospect in the 2024 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, is Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal.
“Coach Cristobal is my guy,” Barney said. “He just stresses to me that I’m not only going to be a good football player, but after football, they’ll have me in a position where I can be set for life. That’s a big thing for me, too. You can’t go somewhere that’s only about football, because football is not forever.”
Miami receiver coach Kevin Beard has also been heavily involved in the 6-foot 160-pounders recruitment as well.
“I love his (Beard’s) energy and how he’s going to keep it real,” Barney said. “He’s going to tell me what it is.”
While the Hurricanes staff members have done their fair share of recruiting, Miami wideouts Brashard Smith and Robby Washington, who both played with Barney at Miami Palmetto, have let him know that he is wanted in Miami and what it is like to play under Beard.
“Brashard let me know that’s the best receivers coach he’s ever been coached by,” Barney said. “With Brashard and Robby being here, I ask them how it is here, and they tell me they’re all in on me. They let me know that they want me and that they’re coming.”
Barney looking to officially visit Miami
Thus far this summer, Barney has officially visited Nebraska and has plans to head out to Texas A&M and Illinois. According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Cornhuskers are the heavy favorites to land Barney’s pledge.
“It’s going good and I’m taking these visits right now,” Barney said. “I just came back from Nebraska, and it was really good. I’ve got Texas A&M and Illinois coming up too. I was planning on committing before the season, so that’s what it is.”
With Miami now back in the fold, he plans to take an OV with the Hurricanes.
“We’ve talked about it, but I don’t have any dates set yet,” Barney said. “I have some OVs set up right now, but I’m going to try and set what I’m going to do.”
When making his final decision, Barney has a few criteria he wants to see in a program before locking in.
“I’m looking for a school where I’ll have a fair chance to play early,” Barney said. “Be around a good staff where I know I’ll be taken care of while I’m there. Also where I go, I just want to feel like I’m family.”
CaneSport’s take
Barney’s recent showing at the Hurricanes’ June 8 camp has Miami raving over the speedy pass-catcher. While Miami may have fallen behind the likes of Nebraska and Texas A&M after not showing much interest in Barney over the last few months, he has not counted them out and believes things are heading in the right direction between both sides.
“I’m seeing enough from them now with all the love that they’re showing,” Barney said. “I’m loving it, and if they can continue that, it’ll be good. They’re up there and have always been up there, but they just weren’t hard on me, so I couldn’t be hard on them. I go where I’m wanted, and I’m wanted now. It’s the crib, so they can’t miss out on a talent like mine.”
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