Miami lands 4-star LB Raul Aguirre, beats out Alabama, Ohio State, Florida

Mario Cristobal and Miami scored another big victory on the recruiting trail Tuesday, landing a commitment from four-star linebacker Raul Aguirre of Fayetteville (Ga.) Whitewater.

Aguirre, ranked the No. 121 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite, will be the highest-ranked linebacker to sign with Miami — assuming he remains committed — since Shaquille Quarterman in 2016. He picked the Hurricanes over offers from Alabama, Ohio State and Florida — schools he officially visited in June.

Aguirre, who took a pair of unofficial visits to Coral Gables this spring, is originally from Miami. His father went to Christopher Columbus High School, the same private Catholic school Cristobal and a few other Miami staffers attended.

He’s the second linebacker to commit to Miami’s 2023 class, which is now ranked No. 7 nationally.

Last season as a junior, Aguirre recorded 80 tackles, three for loss with a sack, and one interception in eight games. He also had two catches for 30 yards and a touchdown as a receiver.

(Photo: Jasen Vinlove / USA Today)

What’s next for Miami on the recruiting trail?

Manny Navarro, Miami beat writer: A handful of June official visitors will be making scheduled announcements on college destinations later this month. Four-star safety Jayden Bonsu is announcing on July 20. Five-star safety Joenel Aguero (No. 35), four-star linebacker Malik Bryant (No. 49) and four-star offensive tackle Payton Kirkland (No. 262) are scheduled to announce on July 23. Three-star offensive tackle Tommy Kinsler will announce on June 28.

In addition, Miami remains in the running for five-star offensive tackle Samson Okunlola and four-star offensive tackle Olaus Alinen, who could both make announcements this month as well.