Raul Aguirre, nation's No. 9 linebacker, commits to Miami Hurricanes over Alabama; Class jumps to No. 7 nationally
The Miami Hurricanes have been on an absolute tear on the recruiting trail since landing elite California quarterback Jaden Rashada on June 26, snagging all six of the top-ranked pledges in their top-10 national class.
That group is headlined by five-star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and five-star edge-rusher Jayden Wayne, but the collection of talent seems to be growing by the day.
On Tuesday, Miami landed yet another biuechip prospect,t as Whitewater High School (Georgia) linebacker Raul "Popo" Aguirre announced his commitment to the Hurricanes over fellow finalists Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and Ohio State:
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound athlete is rated the nation's No. 121 overall prospect and the No. 9 linebacker - and for good reason.
As a junior, Aguirre racked up 80 total tackles, an interception and a sack in just eight games.
Here's what 247Sports had to say about him as a prospect:
"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."
While Aguirre appears to be an out-of-state pledge, he grew up in Miami and has strong connections to the area.
He is the second true linebacker pledge in Miami's class, joining Miami Palmetto's Bobby Washington, although Wayne will likely be moved around up front playing both defensive end and outside linebacker.
With Aguirre's commitment, Miami's class jumps to No. 7 nationally.
Junior season highlights
