Top JUCO prospect nearing a decision with Miami in final three: “I hear from Coach Cristobal almost every day”
Decision day is approaching for one of the top junior college prospects in the 2024 class in San Mateo (Calif.) defensive back Sione Laulea, and the Miami Hurricanes are in the thick of things leading up to the big day.
On Oct. 8, Laulea will be choosing between Oregon, Miami, and USC and the Hurricanes will hope it is their name called when he announces his commitment.
“It’s been great; I think I’m coming down to make a decision soon,” Laulea told CaneSport. “I’ll announce on October 8th and host a little commitment birthday party. My decision isn’t made just yet, so I’m still just planning it all out.”
Miami has been heavily recruiting Laulea since offering the talented defensive back in March. Leading the push for the 6-foot-3, 180-pounder has been none other than Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal along with defensive backs coach Jahmile Addae.
“I hear from Coach Cristobal almost every day,” Laulea said. “He talks to me about my fit into the program and whatnot. Also, how much I am needed as of next year with all their players leaving. He also just talks about the relationship we’ve already built.”
Laulea, who last visited Miami in July, has been thoroughly impressed with the Hurricanes’ performance on the field this season. After wrapping up their non-conference portion of their 2023 schedule, the Hurricanes are 4-0 heading into their ACC opener against Georgia Tech on Oct. 7, which will be the day before he announces his commitment.
“It’s great to see the change they made, especially coming off of last season,” Laulea said. “They are dominating like The U has been and usually is. It’s great to see that Cristobal has been able to flip it around so far, and they’re dominating these other teams. I can’t wait to see what they do with their ACC schedule coming up.”
While Miami’s 4-0 start may have surprised some, Laulea knew just what this year’s team was capable of after watching them practice in the spring.
“I expected this from the jump,” Laulea said. “After watching them practice, I could tell that there were changes made with their depth, culture, and everything going on. I expected it.”
Although he doesn’t have his mind set on one program just yet, in the end, Laulea’s development and where he feels most comfortable will be where he spends the next chapter of his career.
“A good fit, development, and a true culture around a program,” Laulea said. “I don’t want a business system; I’m trying to feel like a true player and a person in a program.”
CaneSport’s take
Since Laulea first jumped on the scene in the spring, Miami has been extremely active in his recruitment, and they are now only two weeks away from learning if their extensive efforts will pay off. With Laulea’s former teammates and best friend, Miami CB Demetrius Freeney currently in the program, Cristobal and company are hoping to go 2-for-2 with the outstanding defensive backs.
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