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Inside Line: Open Test Focus?

Inside Line: Open Test Focus?

Fox Sports23-04-2025

INDYCAR
Today's question: What are you looking for at the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Open Test this Wednesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?
Curt Cavin: I'm eager to see how Christian Lundgaard stacks up in his second IMS test with Arrow McLaren. He raced reasonably well in three '500' starts with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, finishing 13th in last year's race, but his qualifying results – he never started higher than 28th and was twice in the 30s – were troublesome. In October, Lundgaard was slowest among the 11 drivers in the first hybrid test at the Speedway, which was surprising given Arrow McLaren's pace on the oval the past three years. Ordinarily, I wouldn't give that a second glance, but that won't be the case if he's in that neighborhood this week. At any rate, Lundgaard's Month of May will be an interesting watch. If he can be a legitimate contender at Indy and on ovals, in general, I look for him to be a factor for the championship.
Eric Smith: Two-time defending NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou began the 2025 season with two consecutive victories, inducing panic in the paddock that he will run away with his fourth championship in five seasons. He leads the standings by 34 points entering the test. However, my eye is on Josef Newgarden to create a similar narrative to Palou's hot start. Can the two-time defending Indianapolis 500 winner create his own panic within Gasoline Alley by being fastest in this week's test? How's this for a stat: Newgarden was quickest in the Open Test in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024: A fifth straight year could signal he is THE favorite for the return to the 2.5-mile oval next month. Newgarden told Curt and me last October that no one wants to see him become the first driver in the 109-year history of the great event to win a third Indy 500 in a row. Newgarden is aware that what worked the last two years won't automatically translate to this Month of May. But he has the capability to rattle off a top speed this week and create a narrative that this is still his race to lose.
Arni Sribhen: This test at IMS is not unlike most practice days in the Month of May at Indy. It's about learning how your car reacts in different conditions. For those who spend their days at the track, we're focused on lap times to see who has speed or watching pack runs to see who looks good in traffic and could be a potential favorite to win on Race Day. I'm sure this week's test will be similar, but with the addition of hybrid technology to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars last summer, I'll be curious to see how and when drivers choose to deploy and regenerate the additional electrical power. We're used to seeing how this generation of INDYCAR SERIES car races at IMS. The lead cars pass using runs developed down the long, 5/8th-mile straights at IMS. It's how Pato O'Ward passed Josef Newgarden in Turn 1 just after the white flag flew last May and how Newgarden passed O'Ward back entering Turn 3 to earn his win. With the addition of hybrid, might we see more passing behind the leaders? Could we see some regeneration on the straights, allowing a driver to deploy at corner exit to set up a run to the line? I hope so. And I hope it sets up a classic finish like we've seen in 1982, 1992 or 2006.
Paul Kelly: I'm watching Andretti Global. The team seems to be on an upswing lately in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, with Kyle Kirkwood winning at Long Beach and Kirkwood and Colton Herta sweeping the front row. Kirkwood is second in points, with Herta seventh. But the team hasn't won 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing' since 2017 with Takuma Sato. That's a seven-year drought at Indy, the longest since the team returned to the '500' and the series in 2003. Andretti's Marcus Ericsson already knows how to win this race, taking the checkered flag in 2022. But the Indy oval has been a rough spot for Herta, whose best '500' finish in six starts is eighth in 2020. Kirkwood finished seventh last year, his only top-10 at Indy in three starts. It's no longer essential to have a great day in the '500' for championship contention, as the race stopped paying double points in 2023. Still, if Andretti Global is to topple two-time reigning series champion Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing and stand at the center of the stage as the championship winners in late August in Nashville, a win by any of its three drivers – especially the contending Kirkwood – would go a long way toward achieving that goal.

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What McLaren CEO Zak Brown Told IndyCar Owner Roger Penske In Detroit
What McLaren CEO Zak Brown Told IndyCar Owner Roger Penske In Detroit

Forbes

time12 hours ago

  • Forbes

What McLaren CEO Zak Brown Told IndyCar Owner Roger Penske In Detroit

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images) McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown believes fellow IndyCar Series team owners are providing a 'disservice' to IndyCar Series owner Roger Penske by not telling the series owner their true feelings regarding the sport. Brown believes IndyCar team owners are highly critical in the media, but when they meet with Penske, they tell him the series is fine. Brown met with Penske during a rare trip to the United States for last weekend's Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix IndyCar Series race. Brown offered his insight on upcoming changes he believes IndyCar needs to do. 'I had a good meeting this morning with 'The Captain,'' Brown told a very small and select group of reporters in the team NTT DATA Strategy Center in the McLaren paddock on May 31. 'We spoke about everything, and it was very productive. I shared my views on things in a very productive constructive manner I was very encouraged that I think they recognize the issues and the opportunities. 'But I am disappointed in some of the team owners that when 'The Captain' is not around they say another thing. And I think that does a disservice, actually, to Roger, because he probably gets conflicting information when he's not around the teams and hen he's around, it's like, 'Hey, everything's great.' 'I was like, 'That's not what you said 20 minutes ago.'' Brown believes real feedback is important for Penske to help guide IndyCar to become a better and more responsive organization. 'We covered everything from tech, to cars, the fans, the races, conflict of interest, the perception of conflict of interest, and I felt he was listening to me,' Brown continued. 'I called it as I see it, which I think is the right way to do it. 'I warned them. I did say I'm seeing media later and I always share my opinion, and they went, 'Yeah, we know,'' he said with a laugh. Brown has some strong, but very constructive views. Because of an extremely busy schedule, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown doesn't get much opportunity to attend an NTT IndyCar Series race in person. Most of his time is devoted to the resurgence of the McLaren Formula One operation, which has been the most successful in the 2025 Formula One World Championship. Lando Norris (left) and Oscar Piastri (right) at the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix. (Photo by Jay ... More Hirano/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Oscar Piastri of Australia leads the F1 World Championship by 10 points over McLaren teammate Lando Norris of Great Britain. But last weekend, Brown was in Detroit for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix instead of the Spanish Grand Prix. It was Brown's first IndyCar Series race in person in 2025. The man who has returned McLaren's Formula One team met with Penske, who also owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500 on May 31. Penske is at the center of a major decision when it comes to transparency in officiating the series. Brown and other team owners are urging Penske to move to a completely independent officiating body to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest. Also in the meeting were Greg Penske, Penske's son and Penske Corporation Vice Chair of Penske Entertainment; Jonathan Gibson, the Executive Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at the Penske Corporation, Doug Boles, the President of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Penske Corporation President Bud Denker. Penske Corporation President Bud Denker with Josef Newgarden, Team Penske Chevrolet at Indianapolis ... More Motor Speedway on May 18, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael L. Levitt/Lumen via Getty Images) 'We've been discussing those for some time,' Denker told me on a taping of the Pit Pass Indy podcast. 'We've talked about them last week also. with a number of people and we're still working with the teams. We're working with the people that are stakeholders in our sport to get the right structure of that. But I think the goal continues to be to have that independent organization going into 2026 season. 'We've got our models not like that in terms of their having the FIA do it. We think we'll have an independent body here of the right type of people to make it truly be independent of anything to do with Penske Corporation, Team Penske, or Penske Entertainment. That's important, obviously, but more work to be done there.' When Denker was asked if IndyCar team owners should help pay for the 'completely independent officiating body' along with Penske, Denker said, 'Well, I'm not sure that's what we're going to have. But again, we're not prepared to announce anything yet. And we're still working with the stakeholders to do that. According to Brown, Penske was very interested in some of his ideas of improving the sanctioning body, including modernized and transparent technical inspections. The 109th Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway included violations from three teams – Team Penske in qualifications, Andretti Global and Prema after the race. The seemingly minor rules infraction at Team Penske was modifications to the rear attenuator by applying a different color of Loctite to the seam. Two of the three entries in question were sent to the 32nd and 33rdpositions on the starting grid including Will Power's No. 12 and Josef Newgarden's No. 2. But it came one year after a major penalty for manipulating the Push-to-Pass system. As a team owner, Penske acted swiftly and decisively by dismissing longtime Team Penske President Tim Cindric, Managing Director of the IndyCar team Ron Ruzewski and General Manager Kyle Moyer before the Indy 500. Tim Cindric (left) and Josef Newgarden (right) at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 17, 2025 in ... More Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brandon Badraoui/Lumen via Getty Images) 'It was the worst week of my life,' Denker said, regarding to the dismissals. 'These are people not only we like, but these are also people we love and have done so much for our company with wins and championships and for our brand. 'But the decision was made, and we moved forward. And now we're still moving forward. And I think the fact is that here we were in Detroit, and we're going to be in the next races at Gateway and Road America. We're moving forward. 'Tough decisions were made. They were made, and now we're thinking ahead.' Brown defended Penske's independence from his racing team at Team Penske and believes the owner of the series in no way, shape or form influence race control and technical inspection. He also believes if IndyCar can move toward a more independent officiating group, it would help remove the level of conspiracy theories that have become so prominent in the paddock and among the fans. 'I have no doubt as to Roger's personal integrity on the conflict of interest,' Brown said. 'It's just the kind of perception that creates and I'm sure it's frustrating for him because I'm very confident he's not exerting his influence in a way that but just a human nature side. 'People see ghosts and conspiracy theories and they go, 'Oh did the race director make that call subconsciously?' 'I think we need to work through that issue so that everyone can have confidence.' On the positive side, Brown believes FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks and the way FOX Sports is promoting IndyCar is 'mega.' 'When you go through the list of things that we needed, No. 1 was we had to land the right broadcast partner and I think we've done that,' Brown said. 'We still have the other 19 things to do but at least No. 1 has been done and done successfully.' Brown shared that IndyCar continues to work on its schedule and believes the Grand Prix of Arlington is going to be an outstanding event. Brown told Penske he would like the see the IndyCar schedule start a little earlier and continue to stay away from football. He even suggested the novel idea of starting the IndyCar season the Saturday of the Daytona 500, not at Daytona International Speedway, but have the race the day before. An idea more likely would be to start the season the week before the Super Bowl or the week after the Daytona 500. 'I think we are in sore need of a new car,' Brown continued. 'I understand we're waiting on the engine formula, which will drive what type of car you need. 'But I think at the end of the day, we've done a lot of band-aids on this car and that is why it weighs so much, it's not fast enough, etc. etc. We could do a better job of integrating the hybrid. An IndyCar Hybrid. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) 'When you just start bolting everything on you end up with a big heavy car and then unfortunately some teams are innovating via engineering a very old car because that's the only way you can find more pace out of it,' Brown continued. 'I'm not saying if you have a new car, teams won't still do what teams have been doing for 100 years in motor racing, but I do think when you've got a spec car that's been around so long, and you ask, 'Where can we innovate?' 'You start innovating in areas you shouldn't innovate in.' Brown said from the discussion, it sounded like the front half of the schedule is going to be better than this year. A major part of the conversation involved technical inspection and how to improve it. Brown told Penske the series needs more investment in tech and technical inspection, including lasers, video inspection and more advanced ways of measuring the cars. 'You are always going to pre-race tech and post-race tech, and we have that in Formula One, but I think technical inspection is very important,' Brown said. 'I think the whole governance around tech, the conversations around having something independent, it needs to truly be independent, and I think that will help a lot on the conflict of interest. 'We spoke about that quite a bit. And I explained my own experience with perception is reality comment.' Brown also would like to see more investment in IndyCar that could grow the overall value of the series. He believes even fewer charters could help create an increased level of interest to 'buy in' to IndyCar and believes 20-24 car fields could actually improve the racing. Currently, IndyCar has experienced growth on the grid as 27 full-time entries competing in the series this season. IndyCar and IMS President Doug Boles during the public drivers' meeting prior to the NTT IndyCar ... More Series 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Photo by Michael L. Levitt/Lumen via Getty Images) Brown also has tremendous respect for IndyCar President and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles, and how he has served two major roles simultaneously. 'I like Doug,' Brown said. 'I think Doug, and I said to him in the team on our meeting, 'He's just been given a (bleep) sandwich for dinner.' 'I like Doug. He is fronted up to it in a big way like he's leaning in which is what you want. Instead of 'everything is great' Doug knows there have been some issues. 'I'm a Doug fan he's leaning in he's direct. He owns the issue and wants to solve them.' Brown would like to see IndyCar put on display the items that fail technical inspection. NASCAR does that with its 'Show and Tell' table outside of the NASCAR transporter in the garage area so that other teams can learn, what won't be accepted. 'If there's an infringement, I think we should all know what it is,' Brown said. 'I think we should just have total transparency in what we do. 'I know what happened on the Andretti car based on what my team has told me. 'But I think it'd be good to go see what it is. 'Doug was in agreement with that. I think Doug works hard, so I'm a fan of Doug. He's a few weeks into the job and having to deal with some issues, but I feel like he's a guy who is going to recognize the issues, tackle the issues and be transparent about it. 'I just think in general, the more transparent, the better. You can never go wrong with transparent.' Brown believes the rear attenuator penalties that were assessed to Team Penske in qualifying were similar to a speeding ticket for going 75 miles an hour in a 70-mph zone. As for Andretti Global's post-race penalties for modifying the Energy Management System (EMS) cover and A-arm covers, that was a speeding ticket for 100 miles an hour when the speed limit is 70 mph. 'Team Penske was going 75, and if what we have taken away from what we've read, Andretti was going 100,' Brown said. 'There's no mistake there. It's not what it was put on because that was the only way to make it fit, or we measured it wrong, or they missed the hole. 'They screwed up. 'You can argue that they screwed up. 'They modified it, completely redesigned a part you can't touch, tested it, and discovered it's better to have on the car,' Brown said of Andretti Global. 'Do I think the owner of Andretti knew what was going on? 'Highly unlikely, but you see the action Roger took with his race team.' McLaren's Zak Brown believes Penske took the issues seriously and intends to restore credibility and integrity to IndyCar and the Indianapolis 500. IndyCar Owner Roger Penske (Photo by)

See Matt Dial's photos through the years for IndyStar
See Matt Dial's photos through the years for IndyStar

Indianapolis Star

timea day ago

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See Matt Dial's photos through the years for IndyStar

Submitted By Todd Parrish Matt Dial, 48, picks up a camera inside the home of the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse while attending Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, May 31, 2025. Dial, who photographed the Pacers when he worked at IndyStar, has terminal colon cancer. Matt Kryger Matt Dial, a former Pacers photographer who is in the late stages of colon cancer, was able to attend Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals with the help of friends. He poses with Pacers player Obi Toppin. Matt Kryger Matt Dial (left) with his wife, Shelley, at Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Submitted By Todd Parrish Noah Dial (right) at his first Indiana Pacers game with his dad, Matt Dial, during the 2005-2006 season. Noah Dial Dan Wheldon (98), driver for Bryan Herta Autosport, celebrates his win with son Sebastian, after winning his second Indianapolis 500. The 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., on May 29, 2011. 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Matt Dial/IndyStar Roger Penske, team owner of Penske Racing, watches from Sam Hornish Jr.'s pit box during Carburation Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, May 25, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Larry Bird, President of Basketball Operations for the Indiana Pacers spoke with the media prior to the 2008 NBA Draft at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Tuesday, June 24, 2008. Matt Dial /The Star Penske driver Ryan Briscoe (6) signals to the crowd as the safety crew helps him exit his crash vehicle on the front stretch. Team Ganassi driver Dario Franchitti (10) wins his second Indianapolis 500. The 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind. on May 23, 2010. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is surrounded by media for their final day of interviews with the media before Super Bowl Sunday. Media descends on the Indianapolis Colts, AFC Championship winners, speak to the media at their Marriott Harbor Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on February 1, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Brittany Mallory raises her arms at mid-court after defeating Connecticut. Notre Dame defeats Connecticut 72-63. Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Connecticut Huskies, 2011 Women's Final Four at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind. on April 3, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar Driver Danica Patrick after her final practice on Carburation Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, May 25, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Andretti-Green driver Danica Patrick enters pit row after her early practice laps. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Thursday, May 10, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar The Cirque Du Soleil pre-game show before Super Bowl XLI. Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI on February 4, 2007 at Dolphins Stadium in Miami, Fla. Matt Dial/IndyStar Davey Hamilton takes a break from his practice runs under the shade of the pit box. Hamilton is attempting a comeback after suffering career ending injuries at Texas in 2001. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Thursday, May 10, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Nicky Hayden (69) team Repsol Honda led the early part of the race as the riders tried to avoid puddles on the track. Valentino Rossi (46) team Fiat Yamaha wins the rain shortened 2008 inaugural Red Bull MotoGP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, September 14, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Matt Dial/IndyStar Hot Wheels' "Fearless at the 500" record-breaking jump was successful as the car flies past fans in the fourth turn. The 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., on May 29, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar The WNBA Indiana Fever named Lin Dunn, left, head coach this afternoon. 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Matt Dial/IndyStar Construction is wrapping up at Lucas Oil Stadium, the new home of the Indianapolis Colts. The public opening for tours on August 16 is a litte over a week from this date. This is an aerial skyline view of downtown Indianapolis from WTHR Chopper 13. Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind., Wednesday, August 6, 2008. (Matt Dial / The Star From WTHR Chopper 13) Deflation of the RCA Dome started at 10:50 a.m. in this photo sequence. The dome roof took about 40 minutes to settle. (Photo 4 of 6) RCA Dome deflation, Indianapolis, Ind., Wednesday, September 24, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra sits dejected on the bench as his team fails to get back into the game. Pacers defeat the Heat, 114-103. Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, January 30, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) does a few pull-ups on the rim as part of his pre-game ritual. Pacers defeat the Heat, 114-103. Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, January 30, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Pop artist Kelly Clarkson during the press event. Wednesday's NFL kickoff press event featured musical performers (from Left to Right) Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill, John Mellencamp, and Keyshia Cole. Indianapolis Artsgarden, Circle Centre Mall, Indianapolis, IN, Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Rossi sprays Champagne to celebrate the victory on the podium. Valentino Rossi (46) team Fiat Yamaha wins the rain shortened 2008 inaugural Red Bull MotoGP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, September 14, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Dario Franchitti leads the pack around lap 70. Team Ganassi driver Dario Franchitti (10) wins his second Indianapolis 500. The 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind. on May 23, 2010. Matt Dial/IndyStar Zionsville quarterback Parker Dunshee (10) is sacked by McCutcheon defensive end Taylor Miller (86) in the first half. Zionsville defeats McCutcheon, 24-3. Zionsville Eagles vs. McCutcheon Mavericks at Zionsville Community High School on August 27, 2010. Matt Dial/IndyStar 1986 Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal walks off the court after participating in a game during a timeout. Tonight's game was Indianapolis Motor Speedway night. Pacers defeat the Heat, 114-103. Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, January 30, 2009. Matt Dial/IndyStar Super Bowl XLVI is kicked off by the New England Patriots to the New York Giants in Lucas Oil Stadium. Super Bowl XLVI, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind. Matt Dial/IndyStar

Miami in the thick of it for in-state WR Somourian Wingo Jr.
Miami in the thick of it for in-state WR Somourian Wingo Jr.

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Miami in the thick of it for in-state WR Somourian Wingo Jr.

The Miami Hurricanes have hosted Somourian Wingo several times over the last two years. But last weekend he was able to take in campus in an official visit capacity and it offered more depth for the St. Augustine (Fla.) High School wide receiver to take in. Advertisement "In the meetings, spending time with academics and going over all of that gave a better understanding of how it would be," Wingo said. "All the people stood out -- the staff, the players. It's always a good time being here spending time with the players and coaches, it's a blessing more than anything. "It was about adding on to what we know, plus that I'd have a lot of fun here. It was more about having fun instead of being strictly a football player. They showed that." The well-rounded trip to South Florida also came with more sit-downs from assistant coaches under Mario Cristobal, including wide receivers coach Kevin Beard. "The bond always strengthens when I'm around KB," Wingo said. "Especially this weekend, being around him with my family. Showing that he can be that same person around my family, my siblings... Advertisement "He's an all-around good dude. Good coach. It's a blessing to know him." CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy | Rivals Five-Star roster | Schedule/info Wingo was also able to reconnect with UM freshman wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw while back on campus. The two have grown relatively close as Upshaw played host to the blue-chip target this time around. Advertisement "I was with Daylyn this weekend, I was with him last time," he said. "He is relatable so it's always a good time. He made sure to put me first for a lot of things. "You can tell the players want me as well." The overall push from Miami has long been evident for Wingo, who kicked off his official visit slate with the Hurricanes. Florida hosts him this weekend before stops at Alabama and South Carolina to round out the month. "It's a huge impact, they set the standard," he said of Miami. "Now everywhere I go they got to know they have to give it 110 percent and show they really want me just as Miami did." A verbal commitment from one of the Sunshine State's top wideouts could come this offseason. Marcus Benjamin contributed to this report.

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