Take 2012 Miami commit Dwayne Hoilett for example. Once he committed to Miami during the summer only a few schools were checking in on him regularly, but he was still feeling the heat. “The coaches at Miami have been telling me for a few months now that they really would like to see me enroll early.” When Hoilett committed he wasn't sure what his plans were but felt as if he would finish out his entire senior year at Vero Beach HS, “I knew I could graduate early but I kind of felt like I didn't want too. I wanted to finish out my senior year for the experience and all.”
Although the conversations started a while ago about the subject it wasn't until recently the staff has picked up their efforts to make this happen, “Coach (Al) Golden and Coach Williams have been telling me for the last month or so that it is important for the program, and for me to come in early.”
While it is no secret that Miami needs a handful of young contributors to step up on the defensive line next year, Hoilett didn't exactly see himself as one of those guys.“Everyone wants to play early including myself, but if you look at it, it has to help you to red-shirt. I just always had the mindset to go in, do my best, and what the coaches thought was the best for me and the program, I was just going to ride with.”
Without question there are plenty advantages enrolling early and Hoilett is fully aware of those, “I am looking forward to everything about it really. Being able to adjust to college life before football picks up is going to be huge. I know they are going to blow me up and get me stronger in the weightroom too. Digesting the playbook, getting to know my teammates and coaches. It's all an advantage for me over some of the other guys coming in later.”
Despite getting 20 scholarship offers, the one from the Canes took some work. Hoilett had to attend two Al Golden camps this past summer to receive the news he was waiting for. "After the first camp I was really disappointed. I had a really good day and the staff seemed impressed but I left without an offer."
While many highly sought after prospects take that news and move on, Hoilett took a different stance. "When I first got home I felt burned. But at night when I laid my head down I felt like I had unfinished business."
Hoilett will be enrolling on Jauary24th and has a message for the U Nation, “ We will be back! Through hard work and a group effort, the U will be back.”
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