Miami’s staff recently took an early swing at one of Georgia’s electric running backs, extending a scholarship offer to Collins Hill Class of 2027 back Joel Bradford. The Suwanee product already holds double-digit offers, with national powers such as Georgia and Auburn joining Miami on the list, along with West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Western Kentucky, Western Michigan, Florida Atlantic and Toledo.
Bradford started his high school career at Grayson, where he jumped onto recruiting boards as a sophomore. Georgia Public Broadcasting spotlighted him as a key piece of the Rams offense in 2024. Before the 2025 season, he transferred to Collins Hill. Once he landed there, his profile kept growing. GPB, while covering Grayson’s 2024 state championship run, even called him a talent with Sunday potential. High praise for a sophomore back.
For Miami fans, Bradford checks a lot of boxes that Mario Cristobal and Shannon Dawson tend to value in the backfield. His build sits in that sweet spot for ACC feature backs: compact, tough and explosive enough for outside zone and counter, yet sturdy enough for inside work at around 180–190 pounds. Early tape and stat lines from Georgia’s brutal 6A competition show a back who presses the hole, keeps his pads low and finishes runs through contact rather than relying on bounce-outs. That style lines up perfectly with the downhill, physical identity Miami continues to chase up front.
Bradford also brings real third-down value. He can catch the ball in space and contribute as a route runner, a trait that already helped him earn camp offers from major programs before he ever logged a varsity season at Collins Hill. Miami’s staff has leaned toward backs who handle all three downs without tipping tendencies; Bradford’s profile matches that approach, with natural hands, change-of-direction quickness and enough long speed to turn check-downs into chunk plays.
The Hurricanes also continue a familiar strategy with this offer: keep a strong foothold in talent-rich Gwinnett County. Collins Hill’s recent history includes stars such as Travis Hunter, who helped push the Eagles onto the national stage before moving on to college stardom and the NFL. Landing a productive back from that program would strengthen Miami’s brand in one of the deepest recruiting pockets in the Southeast.
For now, Bradford’s recruitment still sits in the early stages, and Miami’s offer simply places the Hurricanes in a crowded race for a rising name at running back. With time left before the 2027 cycle truly heats up, Miami gains a crucial advantage: a head start on building a relationship with a physical, versatile back who fits the long-term vision for the offense and runs in a region the staff clearly prioritizes.
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