Three Reasons To Like Cole McConathy’s Commitment to Miami

Through recruiting, the Hurricanes are building a special defensive front

Author:
Brian Smith
Publish date:
Nov 16, 2023 8:00 AM EST

In this story:

The 2024 Miami Hurricanes recruiting class added another significant piece to their long-term plans on Nov. 15. Edge defender Cole McConathy II flipped his commitment from the Louisville Cardinals to the Canes.

Here’s why his commitment truly changes Miami’s defensive options and potential productivity, for the long-term.

1) You can never have enough pass rushers!

The history of Miami football is littered with top pass rushers blowing by offensive tackles. Elite edge rushers like Rusty Medearis helped provide Miami with its five national title rings.

The Canes are showing they can be a dominant pass-rushing unit once again this season with 33 through 10 games. Mario Cristobal and his staff still want more.

McConathy is a great example of the new-age pass rusher who plays standing up part of the time and also goes into a 3-point stance during other snaps. Either way, he’s capable of getting after the quarterback, stopping the run, or dropping into coverage. His athleticism and high motor do the rest.

2) McConathy’s situational versatility is hard to find.

College offensive coordinators are constantly trying to find mismatches with linebackers. Despite McConathy sometimes playing as a down lineman, he’s an athletic player who can cover the flat and even run with a running back during a wheel route.

Thus, he can adjust to the situation and scheme that’s presented and still do well. Finding versatility like McConathy is rare.

3) It’s great to win recruiting battles inside the state of Alabama.

McConathy was the third Miami commitment from the state of Alabama. The talent-rich state can become a nice complementary piece to what Cristobal and his staff are doing inside the Sunshine State.

It takes time to build relationships with the high school coaches, but Cristobal was on Nick Saban’s Alabama staff at one point. That’s also going to help the Canes.