Lyons and Miami stay in touch as final push to signing day approaches

Hayward (Cali.) Tennyson four-star wide receiver Taeshaun Lyons is one of the latest prospects that Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes have their sights set on as they look to continue to add top talent to their 2023 recruiting class.

“It was around September, I got in contact with them and they offered me like two weeks after,” Lyons told CaneSport. “I’ve just been talking to them ever since.”

The Hurricanes may be one of the most recent programs to offer the four-star prospect, but The U has always been on Lyons’ mind.

“Ever since I was young playing football, I’ve always known about The U and all the people that came through,” Lyons said. “I think it’s a historical program and a program that’s going to be on the rise. I talked to some recruits that are committed right now and they’re ready to put it back on the pedastal it was on at one point. “

Lyons, who is ranked No. 130 in the On300 2023 rankings, has taken note of the Hurricanes’ recent recruiting success for this cycle and believes this class has the potential to do something special once everyone arrives in Coral Gables.

“That class is special,” Lyons said. “They’re trying to get things back to how they were before, and I think this class can be the one to do it with or without me. I feel like if I joined this class, it would put them that much over the top. (They are) solidifying themselves as one of the best classes and hopefully, one of the best classes Miami has ever had.”

Lyons has quickly formed a strong bond with Cristobal and the rest of the Miami coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. The genuine connection he feels with the Canes is what he values most about them.

“I love those dudes,” Lyons said. “When I talk to them, I feel like they genuinely want me to be part of the program. They want to see me be successful even if I don’t come to Miami, just to be successful in general. Every time I talk to them, it’s always good vibes and they seem like some really good, genuine people. When you talk to them, it’s like you want to play for someone like that. How could you not want to play for someone so genuine who wants to see you succeed.”

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Notre Dame is the current favorite to land the 6-foot-2, 165-pounder, but he told CaneSport that the Hurricanes are still very much in the mix. 

“Right now, Notre Dame and Miami,” Lyles said of whom he speaks to the most. “They (Notre Dame) hit me up every single day. Every morning I get a call from them. Miami hits me up the same. Those are honestly the two schools I talk to the most.” 

The Hurricanes have some lost time to make up for due to their late entry into the mix, but Lyons said that does not change his opinion of the Miami program.

“I wanted to think so when they first offered me,” Lyles said. “They knew that they came in late, but they’re trying to make up for it and they’re recruiting me hard. They are trying to do the most they can in the time that they have.” 

CANESPORT’S TAKE 

With the Canes attempting to make up ground, getting the four-star prospect to visit Miami is obviously a priority. Lyons is working on a potential trip to South Florida this weekend for the Florida State game. “They genuinely like me as a person,” Lyons said. “They want to get me down there. They want to show me the love that makes it seem like I’m wanted over there and that I’m needed over there.”