2024 Hurricanes Signees Earn 'High Rankings'
Miami's football program took a major step forward with its 2024 recruiting class.
Looking at each side of the football, the speed, size, and position flexibility these young men possess, the Miami football program is improving as fast as any other college football program in the country.
From the final 247 recruiting rankings alone, six Miami recruits are in the top 100 and nine in the top 200. Headlining that list is Chicago (Ill.) St. Ignatius defensive tackle Justin Scott, the #11 recruit from the 247 rankings.
The Canes need more size in the middle of the defensive trenches and Scott provides it at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds. One cannot teach his size or Scott's natural athleticism. Look for him to compete for early playing time in Coral Gables. Here are thoughts on the other eight Miami recruits inside of the 247 top 200 rankings.
At #34, it is edge defender Marquise Lightfoot from Chicago (Ill.) Kenwood Academy. A player who went all-in with his strength and conditioning regimen during the last year or so, he's more than just a pass rusher. Lightfoot's hustle and tenacity will be welcomed by Jason Taylor and the Canes coaching staff.
Coming in at No. 39 from Miami (Fla.) Central would be Armondo Blount. The former 2025 turned 2024 recruit is a unique pass rusher because he can overpower players with natural strength and also use his first-step quickness to shoot a gap. Blount could end up helping the Hurricanes at defensive end and even some at defensive tackle, down the line.
The 63rd recruit would be safety Zaquan Patterson. The Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna recruit is one of the most intelligent prospects in the 2024 class. His smarts will likely allow him to play in multiple defensive packages near the line of scrimmage and patrolling the deep secondary.
Fellow Chaminade-Madonna recruit Joshisa Trader comes in at #70. The wide receiver has some of the best hands one will see. His ability to get open, especially with beating press coverage, will allow Trader to play early. He could play flanker or slot for the Hurricanes.
Adding more speed to Miami's roster is #98, Ny Carr from Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County. He's one of the nation's fastest players and is a big-play threat as a return man or as a pass catcher. Reverses, jet sweeps, and screens turn into long gains when Carr has the football.
A player who's springboarded up the rankings would be Tampa (Fla.) Wharton's Booker Pickett, Jr. is the #142 player. He is responsible for four sacks from the Under Armour All-America Game and the Polynesian Bowl, plus an interception as well. Look for Pickett to play linebacker for the Canes but also come off the edge occasionally.
Speaking of the ability to play multiple spots, coming in at #180 is Elija Lofton. The hybrid tight end can line up at fullback, H-back, tight end, or even out wide. He's been a staple in Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman's offense and will be able to help the Hurricanes similarly. Look for Lofton to play early as the Canes will use two tight ends quite often.
Another big play waiting to happen is the 184th-ranked recruit, wide receiver Chance Robinson. He's one of the nation's best deep threats. He comes from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas. With Robinson's strength and natural speed, he can take the top off the defense and also be a viable blocker in the run and screen games.
