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Miami Hurricanes' revival expands interest among recruits

Gainesville High cornerback Devont'a Davis had one dream growing up: to wear UF's orange and blue on college football Saturdays.

That blue, however, began turning a shade of green last spring when he and teammate Kevin Nelson spent some time with Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis -- a Gainesville High grad and former Hurricane. Last week, Davis decided to make his change in color scheme permanent when he became the 18th member of the University of Miami's projected 2010 signing class.

``I'm a Hurricane now,'' Davis said. ``I'm always going to be a Gators fan. But I'm wearing orange and green from now on.''

University of Miami's Randy Shannon: 2010 class `filled a lot of needs'

T he final perception of UM's recruiting class will be shaped by whether the Hurricanes land any of the touted prospects who are declaring Wednesday: offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson , receiver Ivan McCartney , defensive tackle J.R. Ferguson and linebacker Josh Shirley . Regardless, analysts agree UM has helped itself on the offensive line and running back, and the linebacker group looks promising.

``Unbelievable class,'' coach Randy Shannon said. ``We filled a lot of needs. We're going to get back to the level we need to be at for a long time.''

Jeremy Crabtree of rivals.com said regardless of what happens Wednesday, ``Miami is still a top-20 class and their offensive line class is one of the best in the country.'' But Rivals' Jamie Newberg said, ``You look at talent in their area, and I would have expected more [so far]. Somewhat disappointing.''

Miami Hurricanes' roster management has mostly paid off

When the University of Miami program was floundering a couple years ago, one of the complaints -- as voiced by ex-Cane Jonathan Vilma at the time -- was that ``guys are not improving year to year.'' That clearly has changed.

Recruiting has been the biggest key to UM's revival, but also credit the staff's roster management and player development. Some who improved were supposed to be very good ( Allen Bailey, Brandon Harris, Leonard Hankerson, etc.), but look at what UM has extracted from players once considered afterthoughts.

Against Wake Forest, tight end/H-back Tervaris Johnson -- who played sparingly at defensive back for two years -- made critical blocks to help win that game. Against Virginia, it was safety Jared Campbell knocking away three passes. (That's the same Campbell who played in one game in 2008 and whose previous football highlight was sitting next to Paris Hilton at this past Super Bowl.)

Team USA rules The World

Whether he is playing for his high school or his country, Miami Central wide receiver Joshua Reese often comes through when his team needs a big play.

Reese caught a 50-yard pass in the first half, one of two catches that helped set up scores to help Team USA shut out The World team 17-0 Saturday afternoon at Lockhart Stadium.

The all-star event drew an estimated crowd of 3,000 and had a combined 15 players from Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Miami Dolphins may have fewer free agents to choose from

T he good news for the Dolphins is several quality players will be free agents at need positions. The bad news: Many will be restricted -- not unrestricted -- if there is no labor deal in place by March, meaning the players' current team would have the right to match offers. And teams signing restricted free agents usually must relinquish draft picks as compensation.

Next season will be uncapped if there is no labor deal -- NBC's Peter King said talks are going poorly -- and that means more than 200 players with four and five years of service would be restricted instead of unrestricted.

A look at options at the Dolphins' positions of need: