VIDEO: Cleveland stock rises, Miami rebuffed

ASANTE CLEVELAND IS rated 2 stars and the No. 63 tight end prospect nationally by Scout.com. But that is going to change. Scout.com analysts just finished looking at his 2009 tape and his national rating is headed up. And you're about to find out why, with this video sneak preview. Meanwhile, Miami recently took a run at him, trying to woo him to Coral Gables for an official visit.

The Hurricanes strongly hinted that if the 6-5, 235-pound Cleveland would come out on an official visit to the Sunshine State, a Miami scholarship offer was likely to follow. Cleveland, who verbally committed to WSU back in September, told the Hurricanes the same thing he told Arizona State earlier this month.

Thanks but no thanks. I'm a Coug.

"They were asking me to come out on a visit... I said I wasn't interested in taking the trip," said Cleveland, a multi-sport standout out of Sacramento's Christian Brothers High who was a first team all-league selection this season.

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IN THE JUST-CONCLUDED in-home/in-school visitation period, WSU made sure Cleveland felt the crimson love.

"Coach (Jody) Sears has come by the last three weeks in a row, coach (Todd) Sturdy also came by one of those times, and then coach (Paul) Wulff came by (last) Monday... We talked about what we're going to be doing when I first get up there,” said Cleveland.

If it’s more of like what’s featured below, what he'll be doing at Washington State will be good news indeed for Cougar fans.

The next, and final, ratings cycle on Scout.com comes in mid-January, and CF.C has been in contact with Scout about the video you’re about to see. Naturally, it remains to be seen until January the extent to which Cleveland’s rating will change but Scout, after viewing the video, says you can expect to see Cleveland rocket up the tight end ratings from his current No. 63 spot. Here’s why..

The video can be viewed HERE or by clicking the embed below.



Asante Cleveland profile

NOTABLE NOTE:
Cleveland isn't the only touted tight end WSU plans to land on Signing Day. The Cougs also have a verbal from the No. 8-rated tight end prospect in all the land, Spokane's Aaron Dunn. It is expected with Cleveland and Dunn, the Cougs will be running a lot of double-tights sets and, on occasion, splitting them out wide, such is their athleticism. Expect to see a lot of both over the next 4-5 years at Wazzu. Also rated highly by Scout.com at tight end is another WSU verbal from Spokane: Jake Rodgers. Scout ranks him No. 32 nationally at the TE position, but whether he ends up at tight end for the Cougars remains to be seen because he has the frame and arm length to possibly play several positions and on either side of the ball. Some think the 6-7, 245-pounder could develop into a prototypical Pac-10 left tackle for the Cougs.