ORANGE CITY, Fla. — Last Thursday, the University of Miami landed their biggest recruit of the Mark Richt era to date in five-star running back Lorenzo Lingard.

Five-Star Hurricanes commit Lorenzo Lingard is eyeing several other prospects to join him at Miami.

Lingard (6-1, 191) chose the Hurricanes over Ohio State and Clemson.

He shared three reasons why he wanted to give his commitment to the Hurricanes.

“The first reason was because of [running backs] coach [Thomas] Brown and the way he recruited me. It was a great recruitment overall with him. It was always the same story with him. He told me that they could get me there and that he didn’t want to boost things up, but he let me know that he wanted me and he kept it real with me from the start.

“The second reason was because of coach Richt. I have known him for a long time. Since the eighth grade. It has always been the same story with him. He has been the same guy ever since I met him. He is always the same guy every time I go there.

“Finally, the last reason is because it is a great university. The opportunities that I would have there are great. I took time to think about how much I can gain from the city and the people at the school with life after football. It will be a great place for support after football.”

After Lingard gave his pledge to the Hurricanes, he admitted that schools like Florida State, Ohio State, and Oklahoma called his high school coach to see what was going on and if he would still be interested in them during the recruiting process. Lingard, however, says he is shutting down his recruitment and is focused on enrolling early at Miami.

“I am pretty much shutting it down,” Lingard said. “I plan to only visit Miami. I have a lot of online classes to get started on. I plan to enroll early.”

Lingard is now looking to take on a recruiting role for the Hurricanes as UM looks to build a strong 2018 class.

“With my personality, I just try and talk to as many guys as I can,” Lingard said. “I tell them about the opportunity they can have playing at Miami. There is a lot of support and we can go there and have a lot of fun on the field together.”

Four-star Southridge wide receiver Mark Pope is one of the top players that Lingard is looking to convince to join him at Miami.

“I spoke with Mark Pope and he says he is thinking more about Miami,” Lingard said.

Lingard also mentioned he has enjoyed talking with American Heritage wide receiver Anthony Schwartz, who also stars in track and field.

“I like Anthony Schwartz a lot,” Lingard said. “He is a track guy too. Me and him talked for a long time, so I am definitely going to try and keep in touch with him.”

Lingard also has a relationship with 2017 quarterback signee N’Kosi Perry. Lingard admits he is looking forward to seeing how his friend does in the open quarterback competition next fall.

“With his arm and his speed, he is going to be special,” Lingard said. “A lot of people say he can be like Lamar Jackson or Deshaun Watson.”

If rising junior running back Mark Walton has another productive season, he could leave early for the NFL Draft and that would pave the way for Lingard to potentially be a starting running back at UM as a true freshman.

“They are going to use me as an every down back,” Lingard said. “I will have an opportunity to come in and make an impact on day one. That is what I plan on doing.”

Lingard is currently beginning his track and field season. He hopes to win a state championship in the 300 meter hurdles and 110 hurdles. His goal for the 300 meter hurdles is 36 seconds and he would like to run a 13.5 in the 110 meter hurdles.

Quotes were provided by 247Sports recruiting analyst Ryan Bartow.

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