During this final weekend before National Signing Day on December 20th, the Miami Hurricanes continue to upgrade their roster for the present and future.

On my Sunday episode of Locked On Canes, I covered Miami’s recent additions of Vanderbilt safety Savion Riley and class of 2025 Osceola (Kissimmee) linebacker Elijah Melendez.

We also discuss the latest on Miami’s pursuit of transfer portal quarterbacks Cam Ward and Will Howard.

Savion Riley can definitely compete for a starting safety job. There is a major void to be filled with Kam Kinchens and James Williams both heading off to the NFL. I like a handful of others in Miami’s safety room, too. Jaden Harris, Markeith Williams and Kaleb Spencer should provide competitive practices before opening day next season. DO NOT sleep on incoming early-enrollee freshman Zaquan Patterson. He will also be competing to grab a starting job.

On Elijah Melendez, I know some will have trouble generating  excitement for a player who cannot enroll for another year, but just trust me and watch his tape. Check out his range, speed, and explosiveness and get back to me. You’ll be jacked up.

Miami’s quarterback pursuit will hopefully wrap up in the coming days. The Hurricanes can’t afford to wait too much longer.

After visiting both Miami and Florida State, Washington State transfer Cam Ward is back home in Texas thinking things over. His father has indicated that entering the NFL Draft is still an option. They say Cam will have a decision by Christmas but I am sure both Miami and FSU would like an answer much sooner. The longer they wait on Ward, the more alternatives will be committing elsewhere.

Before hosting Ward, Miami received a visit from Kansas State transfer Will Howard. Howard reportedly liked Miami a lot, but visited USC over the weekend and is receiving crystal ball predictions to pick the Trojans. If Howard commits to USC, Miami will be under even more pressure to close with Ward.

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The Miami Hurricanes are in flip mode as we close in on the Early Signing Period