Miami lands local 2025 DL recruit Donta Simpson

Miami added another local recruit to its 2025 recruiting class on Friday when it flipped defensive lineman Donta Simpson, a three-star defensive lineman who had been committed to Maryland.

Simpson, a 6-foot-4, 295-pound senior at Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade, grew up a Hurricanes fan along with his parents. He originally committed to Maryland in June following a slew of official visits, but Miami began recruiting him last week. He attended Miami’s summer recruiting barbecue and worked out for coaches that morning.

“Coach (Mario) Cristobal told me they were amazed with how I could move and they offered me after the camp,” Simpson said. “They’ve got four defensive linemen leaving after this coming season. I’m ready to come in and compete.”

Simpson played running back in youth football and said he looked up to former Hurricane tailback Duke Johnson. Simpson said he entered high school 5-11, 200-plus pounds, but has grown quickly. He bench presses 365 pounds and can perform more than 20 reps at 225 pounds, the NFL testing standard.

The Hurricanes now have 20 commitments in their 2025 class, which ranks ninth in the 247Sports national recruiting team rankings. Simpson, ranked No. 766 in the 247Sports Composite, is one of two defensive lineman in Miami’s class. The Hurricanes signed eight defensive linemen in their 2024 recruiting class including three five-star talents.

(Photo of Donta Simpson, right: Manny Navarro for The Athletic)