The battle for top high school talent rarely comes down to a single factor, and that truth was on full display when prized running back Myson Johnson-Cook chose Auburn over Miami. The decision didn’t just sting fans—it sparked a candid reaction from Alex Donno of Locked On Canes.
Donno didn’t hide his disappointment while also offering a grounded perspective on how recruiting really works in modern college football. He made it clear he had high hopes for Johnson-Cook in Coral Gables. “I’m disappointed. You guys know I’m a big fan of Meissen Johnson Cook,” he said, pointing to the player’s physical tools and upside.
He even compared the back to current Miami standout Mark Fletcher, noting a similar build with slightly more speed. From a purely football standpoint, Miami losing a player like that hurts—especially for a program trying to stack elite recruiting classes under head coach Mario Cristobal.
Donno pushed back on a common narrative that often follows recruiting losses. “Very seldomly are recruiting battles won strictly because of money,” he explained.
Mario Cristobal Faces a Different Recruiting Pitch Compared to Auburn
Digging deeper, Donno outlined why Auburn’s pitch may have ultimately resonated more. For a young running back, immediate playing time and a featured role can outweigh even the appeal of a stronger roster…