Oh, to be a freshman at the University of Miami.
According to players, coaches and insiders, this crop of 2018 freshman Canes is extremely talented. But no matter how highly touted, each newcomer is going through growing pains. The game is faster. The veterans are bigger and stronger. The learning curve is tough.
Take new fullback Realus George. Out of Atlanta Pace Academy, he’s listed as 6-2, 255 pounds and was rated by Rivals.com as the nation’s No. 1 prep fullback. ESPN and 247Sports had him as the nation’s second-best fullback.
But at some point since UM fall camp begin last Saturday, George got drilled by one or more Canes linebackers— the starting three (Michael Pinckney, Shaq Quarterman and Zach McCloud) considered one of the best trios in the nation.