After his hiring to replace Randy Shannon, Miami coach Al Golden had a lot of ground to make up in recruiting.

Signing day showed just how far he and his new staff had come.

After losing several commitments in the coaching change, Golden announced a class of 16 recruits with the potential for another or two to be added later.

"It was a hectic time from where we started on Dec. 13 with three commitments," Golden said. "I think we were ranked 85th in the country at the time.

"To come nearly 50 spaces in a short period of time with only 15 days that I could go out, is something that we are proud of and it should be precursor to something that we intend at the University of Miami in moving forward."

Golden's first signing class was heavy on defense with nine of the signees listed at defensive spots. With a kicker, punter and two players listed as "athletes," that left only three spots for offensive newcomers.

"It's a heavy defensive class," Golden said. "If anything that should give you an indication of my evaluation of our offense relative to our defense right now."

Adding punter Dalton Botts, a three-star prospect (Rivals.com) prospect from Moorpark Community College, and kicker Matt Goudis, a three-star guy (Scout.com) from West Hilles, Calif., addressed an immediate need with the loss of Matt Bosher, who handled both duties the last three years.

Three linebackers and three defensive ends also filled targeted needs.

TOP OF THE CLASS

DT Jalen Grimble (Bishop Gorman High, Las Vegas, Nev.) -- A late "flip" -- to us Golden's term -- who originally committed to Southern California, Grimble, 6-2, 280, could become an immediate contributor up front for the 'Canes.

DE Anthony Chickillo (Alonso High, Tampa) -- Chickillo, a five-star prospect who committed back in September long before the coaching change, stuck with the Hurricanes. He is 6-4, 248, and is expected to earn a spot in the rotation this fall with returning veterans Marcus Robinson, Olivier Vernon, and Adewale Ojomo.

LB Denzel Perryman (Coral Gables, Fla.) -- Perryman comes from the same high school as former Hurricane linebacker Jonathan Vilma. He's 6-0, 217, which gives him enough weigh to step in right away, according to Golden. He might have to. Linebacker is a thin position for the Hurricanes in 2011.

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