Previewing Miami LB commit Vincent Shavers’ senior season: Leadership at a premium

Three-star Miami linebacker commit Vincent Shavers has only been at Miami (Fla.) Central for a few months, but head coach Jube Joseph has seen the improvement and playmaking potential that attracted the Hurricanes to the 6-foot, 205-pound prospect.

Shavers is expected to face much stiffer competition this fall at Central than he did at Monsignor Pace last season, but Joseph has seen him make encouraging strides after spring workouts and through fall camp. Much of Shavers’ improvement comes from understanding he doesn’t have to have a “do it all yourself” attitude, Joseph said, and learning that playmaking opportunities will come naturally.

“I think he’s understanding the defense, our schemes, understanding he doesn’t have to make all of the plays and just being a piece of the puzzle,” Joseph said. “We run a college-style system here at Central. Coming onto the field is one thing; being able to digest and internalize the playbook is another. One thing people notice about him, they know he’s a great football player, but they don’t really take into account how cerebral he is. I think he’ll be a great asset to the University of Miami when he gets there.”

Shavers steadily improved on 7-on-7 circuits this spring and impressed as a linebacker during Miami’s 7-on-7 tournament in late June after recording 56 total tackles, eight sacks, two fumble recoveries, one interception, one blocked punt and a defensive touchdown last season. The On3 recruiting database lists Shavers just one point shy of being a four-star recruit.

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Joseph believes Shavers’ background playing offense and defense for the Miami Gardens Ravens youth football team as a kid significantly helped his football IQ, sharpening his awareness and allowing him to make instinctual plays without hesitation. But this fall, Joseph wants to see Shavers be more communicative as a defender.

“When you come from a smaller program, you’re used to doing things yourself and getting it done,” Joseph said. “But when you come to a program like Miami Central, you have others who can assist you and get to a common goal. Communication is key, because you’re going to be trying to get the win. So for him it’s just being more vocal, and I think he’s making strides in that every single day.”

CaneSport’s Take

It will be curious to watch the length of Shavers’ adjustment period to Central’s defensive scheme and competition level — or if there is any adjustment period at all. Shavers developed a reputation as a playmaker and game-wrecker at Monsignor Pace whose nose for the football constantly put him in the right place at the right time, but the talent gap won’t be nearly as large for Shavers this season. However, reports indicated he made real progress this off-season, and we’ll carefully watch how he looks against live competition.

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