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This week’s version of Hey Judes takes a closer look at the Miami Hurricanes’ growing momentum and some key recruiting battles to keep an eye on as the 2018 recruiting class progresses.

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Well, thankfully, I’m physically capable of writing this week’s Hey Judes because the last few days I have been wrecked with flu-like symptoms. Of course, writing a weekly college football recruiting column isn’t quite the same as 38 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, so try not to compare me to MJ (much).

However, I’m starting to regain my health, and that’s bad news for Christian McCaffrey because now I may have to hop on the bench press and have someone record me doing more than the 10 reps he eked out at the combine. Yikes. Cue the Twitter hate.

Regardless, it is time for the NFL Scouting Combine, which means we’re one step closer to my absolute favorite holiday of the year: the NFL Draft (may the picks be with you).

Last year around this time, it was a little surreal because, for the first time, players I covered as recruits were being selected. Guys like Robert Nkemdiche, Keanu Neal and Laremy Tunsil were all highly touted recruits once, and it made me feel extremely old.

It’s scary to think about but in a few years, this year’s crop of recruits will be slapping on the spandex and racing around Lucas Oil Stadium like so many did before them. And you can bet a few of them will be representing “The U.”

Miami Momentum

I don’t know what’s in the water back in my home state, but something is leading players to Coral Gables. Miami landed another commitment on Wednesday when it picked up 4-star wide receiver Brian Hightower.

Okay, aside from the fact Hightower is supremely talented and the No. 6 receiver in the nation, we have to acknowledge how huge it is for the ‘Canes to pick up another pledge from an IMG Academy player. A week ago, they got a commitment from 4-star quarterback Artur Sitkowski, beating out both Florida and Florida State for him. If Miami hangs onto both Hightower and Sitkowski, that pipeline from IMG to FSU might spring a leak.

Pipeline aside, getting Hightower is big. They now have two 4-star receivers, as he joins Daquris Wiggins, and I highly doubt the Hurricanes are done. Mark Pope and Elijah Moore could easily be next for Miami. And if Mark Richt’s staff can land them, all hell will break loose once the ‘Canes start slinging the ball around like they did in their glory days.

Nadab Joseph’s Recruitment

I’ll admit it. I chuckled when Nadab Joseph said he was 82 percent committed to LSU. I mean, the 4-star safety committed back on June 11. He’s allowed to re-evaluate his recruitment. That’s his right. It’s just hilarious that he pulled that number out of the air.

What I find more interesting, though, is how Joseph is playing the field. He went on the record and said Florida had a “real shot” at flipping him. We all know the battles the Gators and Tigers have gotten into over blue-chip defensive backs.

But when Joseph spoke with 247Sports, he mentioned how LSU is still the leader, but Florida State and Georgia — a.k.a. Florida’s two biggest rivals — were fighting for his commitment as well.

As long as Corey Raymond is in Baton Rouge, I’ll always bet on him landing a safety like Joseph. Still, though, this recruitment is one to look forward to.

Wazzu Weapon

Much to the delight of my colleague and friend, Matt Stanford (a Washington State alumnus), the Cougars picked up their first commitment of the 2018 cycle a few days ago, and it was a solid addition.

Ordinarily, Wazzu doesn’t attract high-profile linebackers like Victor Terry, but he’s looking forward to being a Cougar … for now. You never know what’s going to happen with the twists and turns of the recruiting trail. So, if you’re reading this, Matt, don’t count your commits before they sign.

Regardless, Terry is the No. 23 outside linebacker in the country, and that’s a big deal. The fact he attends Augustus Hawkins in Los Angeles is an even bigger deal. That school just sent Joseph Lewis and Greg Johnson to USC, and now it has the No. 1 receiver in the country in Jalen Hall.

If Washington State can rely on Terry to recruit his teammates from the 2018 class to Pullman, he can certainly be the Cougars’ foot in the door to City of Angels. Wazzu only has three L.A. natives on its roster right now, and we all know the kind of talent California can produce — especially at the skill positions.

MORE: How An Early Signing Period Will Change College Football Recruiting