Early Candidate Emerging For Miami Hurricanes' Breakout Player In 2024
Former Chaminade-Madonna HS standout Joshisa Trader can become one of the next great wide receivers at the University of Miami.
I've watched "JoJo" closely during the first week of Hurricanes spring practice and he's given multiple defensive backs fits in coverage. Quarterback Jacurri Brown connected with Trader on Wednesday for a deep completion in one of the nicer plays during one on one drills this week. Trader was able to beat Miami's top corner, Daryl Porter Jr, in coverage.
Trader has also shown off his ability to make one-handed grabs, something he was known for in high school. In his senior year at Chaminade, Trader hauled in 757 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He averaged 16.7 yards per reception. What made this even more impressive is the fact that he also played defensive back. He will focus on offense at the college level.
I'm not the only one who's taken notice of Trader so far. DMoney from Canes Insight wrote this after observing practice on Friday:
"One name that keeps coming up is JoJo Trader. And when a name keeps coming up, that should tell you something. JoJo Trader has been making plays every single practice and really making it look easy. That’s his style. He makes things look easy. I understand the corners are down, but he's beating everybody that lines up in front of him with his route running and smooth change of direction and acceleration. Doesn't look as fast as he really is."
Yes, it's very early in the process. We will get a better idea of just how college ready Trader is once full pads and hitting get started.
My projected starting receivers are seniors Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George along with third year sophomore Isaiah Horton. Even if Trader doesn't crack the starting eleven, players like him, Nathaniel "Ray Ray" Joseph and Robby Washington can carve out plenty of time in the rotation.
I will also add that Trader isn't the only early enrollee earning my attention. Fellow receiver Ny Carr looks smooth out there and had a great grab Wednesday on an Emory Williams deep ball. Safety Zaquan Patterson looks the part in drills. Linebacker Adarius Hayes made a couple solid plays last week, too. And I've been very impressed by tight end Elija Lofton. He's looked solid in both blocking and receiving drills. His physical maturity and versatility can get him on the field early.
