One of many best possible within the faculty soccer class of 2025 has come off the board.
Simply two days after asserting a bunch of eight finalists, Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola linebacker Elijah Melendez made a verbal dedication to the College of Miami on Saturday night.
The choice, revamped Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Alabama, Georgia, USC and Colorado, got here whereas the junior was in Coral Gables for an unofficial go to to The U.
“I will The U,” he advised Rivals. “Miami, I really feel like they will be a staff competing for a nationwide championship each single 12 months with all of the recruits they’re bringing in.
“And with the nice teaching…I really feel like there is no such thing as a restrict for us. I believe we will deliver a nationwide championship residence.”
Melendez advised his future place coach of the information even earlier than Cristobal acquired phrase of the newest blue-chip dedication.
“Coach Derek Nicholson, I really feel like he is a canine,” he stated. “He is an animal, so me and him acquired the identical power. They by no means have damaging power in practices, in conferences and I believe he is an incredible coach and can develop me.”
The most recent Hurricane says Miami additionally presents him the chance to stay in the identical state as his mom, along with all the time having regarded as much as linebackers like Ray Lewis which have rolled by means of this system.
Melendez, who transformed from working again earlier than his sophomore 12 months of highschool and nonetheless moonlights on the place, turns into the highest-ranked junior dedication for Mario Cristobal’s program. He additionally serves because the preliminary pledge projected to play protection on the subsequent stage.
The trajectory of the bodily ‘backer, as he continues to get snug along with his defensive projection, is not hindering any confidence as soon as the faculty transition is to be made.
“I am residence,” he stated to Miami followers. “I will attempt to deliver that Dick Butkus award. Y’all are getting the perfect linebacker within the nation.”
Melendez accrued practically 40 scholarship presents all through his recruitment.