Ohio RB Kentrell Rinehart locks in Miami visit after recently being offered: “I want to see what all the hype is about in Miami”
Since arriving in Miami ahead of the spring, new Hurricanes running back coach Matt Merritt has wasted no time dishing out a handful of offers across the country, with the latest going out to Columbus (Ohio) Bishop Ready running back Kentrell Rinehart. He will be on campus March 29.
“It was definitely exciting because Miami is one of the biggest offers on my table right now,” Rinehart told CaneSport. “I was excited to get that offer from Miami and coach Merritt.”
While the offer from Miami may be new to Rinehart, he is very familiar with Merritt, who recruited him during his time at USF. Seeing Merritt’s continued interest in the Ohio native has piqued his interest in the program early on.
“It makes me feel good because it shows that he still sees something in me,” Rinehart said. “Of course Miami has a bunch of guys on their board already, and to see him come back and call me and give me the offer says something. I like how he kind of already coaches me. He tells me to get to school on time and makes sure I’m turning all my work in and things of that nature.”
As far as the entire program, Rinehart thinks Miami is well on its way to returning to prominence under Canes head coach Mario Cristobal after securing back-to-back top-10 recruiting classes and believes that trend will continue in the 2025 cycle.
As a junior, the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder finished last season No. 14 in the country in rushing yards (2,837) and No. 17 nationally in total touchdowns (43).
“I think they’re trying to build a really good program,” Rinehart said. “They’re looking to win a national championship in the next few years. They’re recruiting the right people, and they’re not missing out on Ohio.”
Before being offered by the Canes, Rinehart previously had a top five and now will have a top six, with Miami joining Indiana, Minnesota, Syracuse, North Carolina, and Kentucky as his top contenders.
“Those are schools I’m really considering – now Miami is in the top six with them,” Rinehart said. “When I look at a school, I really focus on the relationship me and that coach have. If that is good, then I’m good because I’m just trying to develop into the best player that I can be.”
Rinehart has visited a handful of schools throughout his recruiting process and is looking forward to getting down to Coral Gables in the coming weeks, which will be his first visit of the spring.
“I’d like to see Miami on a different level,” Rinehart said. “I’ve seen schools like LSU, and Ohio State, so I want to see what all the hype is about in Miami.”
CaneSport’s take
Miami has jumped to the top of Rinehart’s list almost immediately, and that is due to his strong relationship with Merritt. With a visit set, things are moving quickly between the two sides as they continue to develop a relationship.
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