Miami, FL
Could Dolphins Go for Jaelan Phillips 2.0?
Could it be déjà vu all over again for the Miami Dolphins in the 2024 NFL draft?
Could they spend a first-round pick on a star college pass rusher whose career was stopped by medical concerns before it restarted? Whose college career included a stop at UCLA? And lastly who wore number 15 during that stint with the Bruins?
Yeah, the similarities between Jaelan Phillips and Laiatu Latu are pretty fascinating, and it just so happens the Dolphins could use a pass rusher in the 2024 draft — in large part because of Phillips’ current health status, more specifically his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon he sustained last November.
LATU’S COLLEGE JOURNEY
Before he ended up at UCLA, Latu began his collegiate career at the University of Washington, but he sustained a neck injury during fall practices before his sophomore season in 2020 and would miss the next two seasons after UW doctors red-flagged him.
With Phillips, it was a couple of concussions that led to him quitting football after playing at UCLA and before transferring to the University of Miami.
Latu played the past two seasons at UCLA and in 2023 he was a unanimous All-American selection and won the Ted Hendricks and Lombardi awards. He also was the collegiate Polynesian Football Player of the Year on defense, while the offensive award when to Tua Tagovailoa’s younger brother, Taulia (Tua won that award in 2018 and 2019, along with winning the professional award in 2022 for offense and 2023 overall).
WHY LATU WOULD BE A GREAT CHOICE FOR THE DOLPHINS
There is zero question that Latu would be a great fit for the Dolphins, but he would be a great fit for many teams, which is why it’s questionable whether he’ll be available with the 21st overall selection where the Dolphins have their first pick.
The Dolphins not only have to worry about Phillips’ recovery, but also those of fellow edge defenders Bradley Chubb and Cameron Goode from severe knee injuries sustained late in the season.
Latu’s NFL.com draft profile includes a quote from an anonymous AFC executive calling him “easily the most skilled (pass) rusher in the draft,” but perhaps concerns about his neck injury could cause him to slide.
If he does end up being available at 21, the Dolphins could do worse than going for Jaelan Phillips 2.0.
A group of South Florida students is preparing to travel more than 8,000 miles to Zimbabwe next Wednesday, though organizers say reaching their fundraising goals has become increasingly difficult this year.
Ten students from Miami Central Senior High School are scheduled to spend 18 days in the country as part of the Blindfolded International Student Cultural Exchange Program (BISCEP). The initiative aims to provide students with cultural immersion and foster global relationships.
“I’m really excited but also a tad bit nervous,” said 11th grader Shonneice Ferris.
For student Samir Rios, the trip offers a chance to engage with a new community. “The most anticipated thing that I’m looking forward to is most likely the students and the kids,” Rios said.
During the 18-day excursion, students plan to attend local schools, volunteer at an orphanage, and visit sites including Victoria Falls. “The first week we’re going to be going to school in Zimbabwe,” Ferris said.
Despite the program’s history of successful trips, BISCEP founder Edwin Sheppard said fundraising efforts have stalled. Many longtime donors have reduced their contributions due to budget constraints.
“A lot of our donors, our past donors, have not been able to donate what they’ve donated in the past,” Sheppard said. “A lot of budget cuts, and so we’re still struggling to raise all of the funding.”
Organizers confirmed the trip will proceed as scheduled despite the financial hurdles.
“This is two different schools, two different sides of the world and two different continents, and I think we’re going to do something amazing out of this,” Rios said.
The students are scheduled to depart next Wednesday. Organizers continue to seek donations to cover the remaining costs. Those interested in supporting the Miami Central Senior High students can find more information at biscep.org.
The contact period for 2028 recruits officially opened on June 15th, and Miami has been active on the recruiting trail.
Now more than ever, recruiting players early matters, with several committing before taking their official visits in their senior season.
Miami has been high on 2028 running back Terriel Harmon for a while, and he discussed the Hurricanes with Miami Hurricanes on SI.
READ MORE: Miami Hurricanes’ 2027 Football Commitment Tracker
The Hurricanes contacted Harmon almost immediately after the contact period opened and got down to business with him.
“The running backs coach (Coach Merritt) hit me up, and we just talked about the leadership I am going to bring to Miami and the environment of Miami,” Harmon said.
Even before the contact period opened up, Harmon already had a sense of what Miami was like.
“They bring the energy,” Harmon continued. “I love the players like Javian Mallory, Malachi Toney, and Mark Fletcher.”
Mallory is an incoming freshman running back at Miami, and he played high school ball at West Boca. Harmon just transferred to the South Florida power. The two of them have a great connection, and Mallory is recruiting Harmon to join him in college.
“He’s been telling me that Miami is the place to be and that it is great,” Harmon said.
Even though it’s still early in his recruitment, the Hurricanes are still in a prime position for the local three-star running back.
“I’m still not sure where I will go to school, but Miami is for sure at the top,” Harmon finished.
More About the 2028 Class
The 2028 class will be crucial for the future of Miami. Arguably, the two best prospects of the past few years, Amir Sears and Bryson Wright, are right in the Hurricanes’ backyard, and the two could change the course of Hurricanes football if they come.
Overall, the 2028 class in Florida might be one of the best in any state ever. There is so much talent throughout the state, and Miami is looking to get a class that rivals this 2027 class, which is the top three in the country per Rivals.
Some other in-state prospects that the Hurricanes are targeting include Gabriel Player (four-star linebacker), Asher Ghioto (four-star defensive lineman), Antonio Thompson Jr. (four-star defensive back), and George Selvie (four-star offensive lineman), amongst a ton of others.
While Harmon is only a three-star now, it would not be surprising if he becomes a four-star by the end of his senior season.
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