BREAKING: Veteran WR makes an official visit to Miami.
Miami is one of three in-state schools hoping to retain Orlando Jones four-star wide receiver Vernell Brown III in Florida. The Hurricanes welcomed the pass-catcher to campus on Tuesday for a formal visit.
Brown has made numerous trips to Coral Gables during his recruitment process, and he is currently scheduling a midweek OV as he works toward a choice. The Canes are competing against Ohio State, Florida, and Florida State for the 5-foot-10.5, 173-pounder.
Talk about family environment💚🧡#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/4B1emyX0DF
— Vernell "Trey" Brown III1️⃣™️ (@VB3_9) June 12, 2024
Receivers coach Kevin Beard, offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, and the Miami staff have worked hard to sign Brown, with their efforts increasing up this spring. Brown stated at the On3 Elite Series last month that two of his four finalists stood out, but declined to name them. Regardless, he spoke highly of the Canes.
“Miami is a great program. Brown told On3’s Chad Simmons that Miami also has a legitimate staff. “Coach (Kevin) Beard has done an excellent job of keeping them in the race, as they obviously got on me late, but putting them in the race and maintaining that contact. I’d say the program is pretty good, and Coach (Shannon) Dawson has experience with guys with similar playstyles to me, like Tavon Austin and Tank Dell, so he’s proven as well.”
Brown’s first formal visit was to Ohio State on the weekend of May 31. He’s scheduled to take his Florida OV this weekend before finishing up in Tallahassee with FSU on June 21.
The blue-chipper is the No. 35 overall prospect and No. 6 wideout in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that includes all four major recruiting media outlets. He is also Florida’s number-five player.
Miami Hurricanes Class Breakdown
As of June 11, the Canes’ class consisted of only seven committed players. According to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, the class is ranked 18th nationally and third in the ACC.
Girard Pringle, a four-star running back at Tampa Armwood, committed to the in-state school at the end of March after considering Florida, Auburn, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. He is now the top commit in the class, ranking No. 160 overall and No. 9 at running back.
Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola four-star linebacker Elijah Melendez is a top-200 prospect and the No. 20 player in his position. He’s one of only three in-state commits.
Miami secured two tight end pledges in April. Cincinnati Lakota West’s four-star TE Luka Gilbert committed on April 8, followed by Leo (Ind.) four-star TE Brock Schott less than a week after. Both are top-15 players at their positions. Alpharetta (GA) Luke Nickel, a four-star quarterback from Milton, was the first pledge in the 2025 class and is presently ranked No. 25 in the cycle.
Jacksonville Takaylen Muex, a three-star offensive lineman at Duncan U. Fletcher, and Timothy Merritt, a three-star cornerback at Brimingham (Ala.) Parker, complete Mario Cristobal and Co.’s class.
2025 CB Timothy Merritt commits to Miami
Birmingham (Alabama Timothy Merritt, a three-star cornerback from Parker, has committed to Miami, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3 Sports.
Merritt paid an official visit to Miami this weekend, his first time in Coral Gables.
“They showed me everything I needed to see,” Merritt explained to On3. “The instructors adored me, and I loved them. Beautiful location. “Miami speaks for itself.”
Merritt has a strong relationship with Hurricanes cornerbacks coach Chevis Jackson, who previously recruited him at Marshall.
“He has been telling me he’s been here first (as a coach recruiting Merritt),” Merritt stated. “He didn’t lie about it; he’s been here since Day One. We have a close relationship, which I believe is very important in this company.
He also had the opportunity to meet with other Miami coaches this weekend.
“They were great,” Merritt remarked. “There’s a great energy here, and you can tell it’s a family. They adore each other, their players, and take good care of them. I’m grateful that I can participate in Cane football if I choose to.”
Merritt is the nation’s No. 488 overall prospect, No. 47 cornerback, and No. 25 recruit from Alabama in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, which is a weighted average of the four major recruiting media organizations.
