Robert Stafford makes it official and signs with Miami Hurricanes, his message is that "We're going to bring The U back"
SIGNEES (with link to feature story on each): Christopher Johnson … Antione Jackson … Collins Acheampong … Kaleb Spencer … Riley Williams … Samson Okunlola … Robby Washington … Bobby Washington … Rueben Bain … Mark Fletcher … Malik Bryant … Jackson Carver … Emory Williams … Antonio Tripp … Marcellius Pulliam … Jayden Wayne … Frankie Tinilau … Joshua Horton … Raul Aguirre … Robert Stafford … Tommy Kinsler … Ray Ray Joseph
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Melbourne (Fla.) Eau Gallie High School CB Robert Stafford committed to the Miami Hurricanes June 30 after taking official visits to UM, Arkansas, Kentucky and Oregon.
He stuck by that pledge ever since, and today has made it official by signing with Miami.
“They bring out a lot of pros, prepare you for the next level,” Stafford says. “It feels like home.”
Helping Miami win out with Stafford was the effort of DB coach Jahmile Addae.
“A big-time guy like that, he’s going to teach you the ways to go to the NFL, which is my goal,” Stafford said. “I just wanted to be coached by one of the best corner coaches in the nation.”
Stafford landed almost 50 offers during his recruiting process, and has been high on the radar of colleges since his freshman year. While he was initially viewed as a receiver prospect, he’s shown his brightest future is on the defensive side.
“I never liked defense, and then I tried it (as a sophomore), and it came natural,” Stafford said. “They said if you could backpedal and stop somebody from catching the ball, you’d make more money doing that. I was like, no I like scoring touchdowns I’ve been doing this since I was like 4 years old. Just not letting someone catch a ball to me came naturally to me.”
While he’s still a bit raw because he played mainly offense when he was younger, as he perfects his technique the expectation is he’ll be a lockdown corner.
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“We just need that little spark that our recruiting class will bring next year, more playmakers on both sides of the ball,” Stafford said. “Miami is a dynasty that I think should be brought back, so we’re gonna bring that back.”
Stafford initially landed the Miami offer from the previous staff all the way back in June of 2020 (it was his 10th offer). The new staff quickly reoffered.
“Robert athletically, he’s one of the best I’ve been around period,” said Eau Gallie High coach Chris Sands, who has been head coach for 10 years. “He’s really long for his size, long limbs. And he can absolutely run. He has ball skills and has a basketball background – he has it all. … He’s physical, has all the attributes.”
Sands played on varsity since his freshman year.
His On3 scouting report reads “Athletic two-way player who projects as a defensive back long-term. Measured at around 5-foot-11, 175 pounds with a 6-foot-3.5 wing-span prior to his senior season. Has clocked an electronically-timed 4.54 second 40-yard dash – one of the better marks among the 2023 cycle. Playmaker on both sides of the ball for his high school, working as a receiver and cornerback. Shows the speed to out-run defenses with the ball in his hands. Looks more natural as a cornerback at this time. Reads routes and tracks the ball downfield. Savvy and doesn’t fall for double moves. Uses his length to disrupt receivers off the line of scrimmage and in contested situations. Polished in coverage, particularly for a prospect who has yet to fully focus on defensive back. Also doubles as a good high school basketball player.”
Stafford plans to enroll in January.
His goals at Miami?
“I just want to go and be a good teammate,” he said. “The only thing we’ve got on our mind is winning that natty. We’re going to bring The U back.”
