Texas DB with offer looking to visit Hurricanes soon: “Miami was a dream school of mine growing up”
2024 Missouri City (Tex.) Ft. Bend Marshall defensive back Joshua Lair is beginning to see his recruitment take shape after picking up a handful of Power Five offers since the start of the new year, most recently from the University of Miami.
“Honestly, Miami was a dream school of mine growing up,” Lair told CaneSport. “To get Miami, I was excited, and my family was excited because I love Miami. When I got it, I was just excited, and I’m blessed, but I was just more excited than anything.”
Although being born after Miami’s most recent national title, Lair is well-versed in Hurricanes history through the words of his family, and he adores the culture and prestige that Miami symbolizes.
“Just the swagger, it’s Miami,” Lair said. “Around the time Miami was like that school back then I wasn’t born yet. But growing up, my dad and uncles showed me clips, and I always loved how Miami was. The swagger you know and the persona.”
Since being offered by the Hurricanes, Lair has spoken with a handful of Miami staff members and has loved what he has heard so far from everyone.
“When I talked to all those guys, they were cool and down to earth,” Lair said. “They’re straightforward and not telling any lies.”
Along with Miami, Lair holds offers from a handful of Big 12 and SEC programs, such as TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, and Baylor, who he says have shown him the most interest thus far.
“Those four schools have been the most fluent in this process,” he said. “The recruiting process has been kind of stressful, but I’ve learned to embrace it. I’ve always been taught that you’re in control of your recruitment, so I’m just taking my time with it and taking these visits and seeing what I like.”
So far, Lair has visited TCU, Baylor, and Texas A&M, and he hopes to soon get down to Coral Gables as well.
“I just asked one of the coaches for the spring and summer schedule,” Lair said. “I most definitely will be getting out there soon.”
Despite Miami being one of Lair’s newest offers, his interest is high in the Hurricanes, and he believes he could see himself in the orange and green.
“Most definitely, no doubt,” Lair said. “I feel like Florida would be a good fit. I’ve been there like three times for a couple of tournaments, and the vibes are somewhat like Houston. I could see myself at ‘The U’ honestly.”
A family atmosphere and a good education are high on Lair’s list of wants in a potential program, and he explained why.
“I’m big on family, so a family-oriented type of culture is huge for me,” Lair said. “If I’m going to a school for three or four years, I want to be around guys I can call family and be around and trust. I also want to major in sports management, so a school that excels in that program is something I’m looking at. I’m not worried about the facilities or how big or small a school is. I’m just worried about how I can be a better Joshua outside of football.”
Lair also went into detail on what he would like to see from the Hurricanes moving forward.
“I would say just constant communication and just me getting down on campus,” Lair said. “Just seeing the campus, players, and coaches All those things play a big part in this process, and they’re big to me.”
CaneSport’s take
Lair is one of the most recent defensive backs to be offered by the Hurricanes, and for good cause. During the 2022 season, the outstanding defensive back recorded 54 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, and three sacks. Lair, who mostly played nickel or STAR in Miami’s defense, shown that he is not hesitant to put a hit on the ball carrier or drop back into coverage. Miami made a strong first impression, and it will be key to get Lair on campus in the future.
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