EDGE Kamhariyan Johnson locks in official visit with Miami coming out of weekend visit

EDGE Kamhariyan Johnson Locks in Official Visit with Miami Coming Out of Weekend Visit

The Miami Hurricanes’ recruiting efforts continue to ramp up as they set their sights on the 2025 class. One of the more exciting developments in the recruiting world came this past weekend when EDGE Kamhariyan Johnson, one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the country, locked in an official visit to Miami after a successful unofficial visit. Johnson, a standout pass rusher from the high school ranks, has seen his recruitment skyrocket over the past few months, with top programs vying for his commitment. His decision to make Miami one of his official visit destinations is a big win for Mario Cristobal and his staff, signaling the Hurricanes’ ongoing efforts to build a dominant defense.

In this article, we’ll break down the importance of Johnson’s visit to Miami, what his decision means for the Hurricanes’ recruiting class, and what Miami fans can expect as they continue to pursue this elite EDGE prospect.

Kamhariyan Johnson’s Recruitment: A Rising Star

At 6’4″ and 230 pounds, Kamhariyan Johnson has the physical traits of an elite EDGE rusher. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism has made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. Johnson plays his high school football at Humble High School in Texas, where he’s built a reputation as a relentless pass rusher and a disruptive force on the defensive side of the ball. His ability to rush the quarterback, defend the run, and chase down plays all over the field has earned him a spot as one of the top defensive recruits in the 2025 class.

Johnson’s recruitment has been a whirlwind. As one of the top prospects in the nation, he’s been on the radar of multiple Power 5 programs, including some of the elite schools from the SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12. However, it’s Miami that has increasingly emerged as one of the frontrunners in the race for his signature.

The Visit to Miami: What Went Down

Johnson’s unofficial visit to Miami over the weekend was a critical moment in his recruitment. Official visits are often the deciding factor in a player’s recruitment, but unofficial visits provide the opportunity to get an initial feel for a program without the formal structure of an official visit. During this visit, Johnson had the chance to interact with coaching staff, tour the campus, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the Miami football program.

Campus Tour and Facilities

One of the key highlights of any recruit’s visit is the chance to see the campus and the facilities, and Johnson’s trip to Miami was no different. Miami’s Toppel Career Center, the Hecht Athletic Center, and the Hurricanes’ state-of-the-art training facilities were all on display. Johnson, who’s coming off multiple visits to other elite programs, had the opportunity to compare what Miami has to offer in terms of both football facilities and academic resources.

Miami’s athletic facilities are top-tier, with cutting-edge technology in place to help student-athletes train and recover. The weight rooms, locker rooms, and film study rooms were all part of the tour that impressed Johnson. Miami’s commitment to providing the best for its athletes is clear, and this left a strong impression on Johnson.

Meetings with the Coaching Staff

Another significant portion of the visit was Johnson’s time spent with the coaching staff. The headliner of these meetings was his sit-down with defensive coordinator Lance Guidry. Guidry, who joined Miami’s staff in 2024, has been instrumental in the Canes’ efforts to rebuild their defense. His philosophy emphasizes aggressive play, physicality, and versatility—traits that align perfectly with Johnson’s playing style.

Guidry, known for his strong coaching acumen and ability to develop elite talent, wasted no time in selling Johnson on Miami’s defensive scheme. Johnson’s ability to line up in multiple positions on the defensive front, whether it be as a traditional EDGE or as a more hybrid, outside linebacker, was something that Guidry highlighted. Johnson’s versatility is one of his strongest assets, and Guidry’s system could maximize his potential as both a pass rusher and a run defender.

Relationship with Mario Cristobal

A key factor in Johnson’s recruitment is his relationship with Mario Cristobal, the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes. Cristobal’s reputation as one of the top recruiters in the nation is well-established, and his ability to connect with players is one of the reasons Miami has been so successful in recent recruiting cycles. Cristobal took time to personally connect with Johnson during the visit, talking about the vision he has for the program and how Johnson would fit into Miami’s future plans.

Cristobal’s experience in coaching elite players at both Oregon and Alabama is a selling point for Johnson, who is looking for a program that will help him develop into a future NFL player. Cristobal’s track record in developing offensive and defensive linemen gives Miami a distinct advantage, and Johnson has taken notice of the coach’s success in molding high-level talent.

The Miami Culture

Miami is a program rich in history, with multiple national championships and a reputation for developing future NFL talent. The Hurricanes’ “The U” moniker carries a certain swagger, and that culture is something that resonates with recruits like Johnson. The players on the current Miami roster, particularly the defensive linemen, have cultivated a sense of brotherhood that Johnson could become a part of. Johnson got to interact with some of the Hurricanes’ players, and the vibe from the locker room and on the field left a strong impression.

Miami’s passionate fanbase, rich tradition, and the opportunity to play in front of a national audience at Hard Rock Stadium were also part of the pitch that Miami made to Johnson. With the team poised for a resurgence under Cristobal’s leadership, Johnson sees an opportunity to contribute to the Canes’ return to dominance in college football.

The Significance of the Official Visit

Johnson’s decision to lock in an official visit to Miami is an important step forward for the Hurricanes in their recruitment of the elite EDGE prospect. Official visits are a game-changer because they give recruits the chance to see everything the program has to offer in a more formalized and all-inclusive manner. With an official visit now on the calendar, Johnson will be able to fully experience the Miami program’s atmosphere, diving deeper into the team’s culture, facilities, and potential fit for his football future.

Official visits also allow schools to bring recruits onto campus and cover the cost of travel and accommodations, ensuring the recruit’s focus is solely on evaluating the program. For Miami, it’s a great opportunity to strengthen their pitch and show Johnson how he can be a cornerstone piece of the Hurricanes’ defensive line in the years to come.

Johnson’s official visit will allow him to experience the intensity of a Miami home game, interact with other recruits, and meet with academic advisors to discuss his long-term goals. He’ll also have the chance to see how Miami is preparing for the 2025 season and the direction the program is heading under Cristobal.

With the official visit scheduled, Miami has a limited window to seal the deal with Johnson. After all, his recruitment is far from over, and other programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M, and LSU are also heavily involved. But Miami’s move to secure the official visit gives them an inside track as they head into the final stages of his decision-making process.

What Miami Brings to the Table

Miami’s pitch to Johnson is strong. The Hurricanes offer a combination of factors that are difficult to overlook. Here’s a closer look at what Miami has to offer:

Coaching Staff and Development

As mentioned earlier, the coaching staff at Miami is one of the program’s strongest selling points. Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry’s system emphasizes the kind of aggressive, high-energy play that fits Johnson’s strengths. Under Cristobal’s leadership, Miami has shown that they can develop players into NFL-caliber talent, with several former Hurricanes currently excelling at the next level.

Location and Exposure

Miami is located in a major football market, and players in South Florida benefit from national exposure. Being based in one of the country’s largest cities gives recruits access to top-tier facilities, training programs, and networking opportunities that will help them prepare for a future in the NFL.

Defensive Legacy

Miami has a storied history of producing elite defensive players, from Ray Lewis to Ed Reed and Vince Wilfork. The program’s legacy of dominant defenders is a major attraction for prospects like Johnson, who wants to follow in the footsteps of some of the best to ever play the game.

The Road Ahead for Kamhariyan Johnson

The race for Kamhariyan Johnson’s commitment is still wide open, but Miami has made a strong impression with its weekend visit and the upcoming official visit. The Hurricanes’ ability to showcase their facilities, coaching staff, and vision for the future has positioned them well as one of the top contenders for Johnson’s signature.

As Johnson continues to evaluate his options, he’ll likely make his decision sometime later this year, after he’s taken his official visits and had time to reflect on what each program offers. Miami, with its blend of tradition, coaching, and potential for growth, has put itself in a prime position to land this elite pass rusher.

For now, Miami fans can only wait and hope that the Hurricanes’ recruiting pitch is enough to seal the deal. If they can land Kamhariyan Johnson, it would be a massive coup for Cristobal and his staff, further solidifying their ability to recruit top-tier talent to Coral Gables.