College Football

Miami Hurricanes National Signing Day: TE Brian Polendey

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:40 p.m. ET

Fansided, Alan Rubenstein/FanSided via Canes Warning

Mark Richt and his staff did a great job in their first full year recruiting cycle. Appearing with Joe Zagacki and Don Bailey Jr. on Miami’s flaghship station WQAM on signing day, Richt said he considers four years a full recruiting cycle.

Polendey is known more as a blocker than a receiver. In spite of that he should get a chance to compete for playing time as a true freshmen. Miami’s loss of David Njoku leaves only Chris Herndon IV proven among Miami’s tight ends.

Jovani Haskins and Michael Irvin II return at the position. They both were suspended for the Russell Athletic Bowl victory over West Virginia for academic reasons.

Polendey is a big target at 6’6. He will likely have to add to his 220 pound frame to be able to block consistently on the offensive line. Enrolling early should help him tremendously in the weight room.

Appearing with Miami play by play announcer Joe Zagacki and analyst Don Bailey Jr. on a pair of signing day specials, Mark Richt said that a major reason for Shaquile Quarterman, Zach McCloud and Michael Pickney earning starting roles in 2016 was as early enrollees they were able to get into the weight room and add bulk.

Tight end’s coach Todd Hartley’s analysis is followed by Polendey’s Hurricane Sports Bio.

BRIAN BRINGS AN UNBELIEVABLE AMOUNT OF PHYSICALITY TO OUR ROOM. HE PLAYS TOUGH, NASTY, AND WILL ABSOLUTELY FINISH EVERY PLAY BY PUTTING HIS MAN ON HIS BACK. HE IS EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT, WHICH WILL ALLOW HIM TO PICK UP ON OUR SYSTEM QUICKER AND PUT HIMSELF IN A POSITION TO CONTRIBUTE EARLIER. HE ALSO RUNS AND CATCHES THE BALL WELL TO DO WHAT WE NEED HIM TO DO IN OUR OFFENSE AT A HIGH LEVEL.

– TODD HARTLEY, TIGHT ENDS COACH