Mario Cristobal continues to strike gold in this year’s recruiting round, adding four-star linebacker Raul Aguirre to their stacked group of prospects. He picked the Hurricanes over Ohio State, Florida, Arkansas, and Alabama. Aguirre becomes the fourth defensive prospect to join the University of Miami.
Raul Aguirre’s back round:
Originally from Miami, the linebacker attended a camp in Coral Gables in June 2021. He unofficially visited the campus multiple times before making his decision. Although he never took an official trip, experts predicted he would commit to Miami.
Linebackers coach Charlie Strong is responsible for recruiting Aguirre to Miami. Strong was hired to Cristobal’s program in early March after previously coaching at schools such as Texas, South Florida, and Louisville. The defensive-minded coach also spent one season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
BREAKING: Four-Star LB Raul “Popo” Aguirre has Committed to Miami!
The 6’2 220 LB from Fayetteville, GA chose the Canes over Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Florida, and Arkansas.
Miami recruiting is on fire in the month of July 🔥
Full Class: https://t.co/pYqj0F7ByR pic.twitter.com/jK1ei1fBKa
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 12, 2022
A Peek at the Hurricanes’ New Linebacker
Aguirre plays football at Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, Georgia. As a junior, he recorded 80 tackles with a sack and an interception in eight games. He also caught two passes for 30 yards and a touchdown as a receiver.
The 6-2, 220-pound LB sits at No. 184 on ESPN’s Class of 2023 Top 300. Whitewater’s LB received an 82 scout grade and also ranks as the fifth-best inside linebacker in the country. His performance earned a roster spot for the Polynesian Bowl.
“Very good instincts with the ability to read and react to make plays. He has some suddenness as well as plus closing speed. He has nice agility and footwork that enables him to sift through the traffic to make plays. Does a nice job in coverage; he is comfortable in space and is not a fish out of water. Can find the ball when he is in man coverage where he is able to make plays and cause deflections. A physical hitter when he meets the ball carrier. Plays with patience and does a nice job of keeping leverage on the ball to play within the defense. He can avoid blocks by either punching and shedding or using the slip technique to avoid them. Solid blitzer that is very good in pursuit.”
-Chris Singetary’s scouting report on Aguirre
In Conclusion
Aguirre becomes the second linebacker to commit to the Hurricanes, uniting with three-star prospect Bobby Washington. Miami also added LB Caleb Johnson from UCLA during the offseason. Aguirre is Cristobal’s seventh four-star recruit.
The University of Miami have 14 commits and jump to No. 7 on 247Sport’s national recruiting list. Cristobal is not finished, as the Hurricanes are finalists to land five-star OT Samson Okunlola. If the Hurricanes land Okunlola, they will shift their focus on adding a defensive tackle and more linebackers.