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Following the addition of three-star wide receiver Malick Mbodj earlier in the week, Cincinnati has received another verbal commitment as National Signing Day approaches. James Wiggins, a three-star cornerback from Homestead, Florida (South Dade) is the latest addition to the 2016 class, announcing his decision on Twitter yesterday.
— James Wiggins (@king_wiggins_) January 29, 2016
The South Florida native measures in at 5-foot-11 and weighs 180 pounds. Wiggins is the 18th commitment to Cincinnati's 2016 class and, according to 247Sports, has the highest Composite score (gathered by compiling grades from a variety of recruiting databases) in Cincinnati's class with an 85. He ranks as the 77th top cornerback in the class and as the 114th ranked player in the talent-rich state of Florida, according to the Composite rankings. Rivals has Wiggins also graded as a three-star recruit with a 5.6 rating, according to their own grading scale.
Steven Clinkscale led the recruiting for the Bearcats, who earned Wiggins' commitment over the likes of Illinois, Louisville, Miami (FL), Purdue, Temple and USF. All of which are offering the corner. Wiggins was a longtime Hurricane commit until he decommitted on January 22, after making an official visit to Cincinnati on January 15.
The film on Wiggins is impressive. He has fluid hips and moves really well, whether laterally or straight-line speed, clocking in with a 4.60 40-yard dash time, according to 247Sports. He plays faster than that though. Playing wide receiver and corner in high school, this is one player who knows how to attack the ball and play with good leverage on 50-50 throws, out-muscling other players for passes. Wiggins catches the ball with his hands and is dangerous with the ball in his hands, displaying good playmaking ability that should translate to big plays if he can force interceptions at the next level. Additionally, he attacks the ball carrier, breaks down well on tackles and isn't afraid of contact, which is something you certainly want to see from your corners.
Wiggins has the opportunity to step on the UC campus and contribute, sooner rather than later, given his skill set and talent. The Bearcats secondary was young and struggled this past season, opening the door for incoming talent to make their mark early-on. Within a year or two, you could see Wiggins making an impact on that unit.