On3 top-100 prospect Robert Stafford commits to Miami

The good news in Coral Gables continues. Less than a week after landing four-star Pittsburg (Calif.) quarterback Jaden Rashada and former Clemson receiver commit Nathaniel Joseph, Miami made another big splash on Thursday. Four-star Melbourne (Fla.) Eau Gallie cornerback Robert Stafford chose the ‘Canes over Georgia, Kentucky, Oregon and Arkansas.

“It’s a whole dynasty there, man,” he told On3. “I had to really sit down and go in my room and think about it. If you’re from Florida and you don’t have to leave, why would you? The best state, the best football, and the Miami Hurricanes, it’s a real family over there.”

One of the biggest factors in his decision was head coach Mario Cristobal, who was recruiting him previously at Oregon. Their relationship only grew when he came to Miami, and that ultimately helped them win out.

“He came from one of my top schools (Oregon), and he said both were good schools,” Stafford added. “But he explained to me why he thought ‘The U’ was way better. Coach Cristobal, he’s turning everything around, and he knows what he’s doing. I’m ready to get on the ride with him.”

“… He’s got a lot of history [with the program]. He played for The U, but the thing about him, he tells you what his plan is, what he wants to use you as and where you’re at on the roster with them. He’s not just going to tell you what you to hear; he is going to tell you the real stuff.”

The official visit sold Robert Stafford on the Hurricanes

Heading into his official earlier this month, Stafford, the No. 11 cornerback in the On300 rankings, didn’t have Miami at the top of his list. But getting the chance to see what the program could offer solidified the ‘Canes as his leader.

“The official was very important because — I’m not going to lie to you — before that I was not going to Miami,” he said. “I was leaning toward Oregon or Arkansas. The visit just made think about my family and the distance. But it wasn’t just that; the way their defense is set up, I think I can play at the University of Miami pretty early. I fit their system perfect.

In addition to Cristobal, Stafford loves the chance he gets to be coached by the likes of Ed Reed and other Miami legends from years past. He and defensive backs coach Jahmile Addae have built a strong rapport, too.

I just want to join a dynasty.

“Coach Addae, me and him click,” Stafford said. “We both want to be in the big city, and we’re very laid-back dudes who are about our business. He wants to teach me how to get to the league, and I feel like he’s the best man to do it. … You think about all the legends that came out of there — Ed Reed on the sidelines, telling you what he thinks you should do better at the DB position. You got all defensive-minded guys at Miami, and that’s a perfect place for a guy like me.