Four-Star EDGE Marquise Lightfoot commits to Miami

Four-star EDGE Marquise Lightfoot of Chicago (IL) Kenwood Academy announced his commitment to Miami Monday afternoon.

The 6-foot-5, 225 pounder chose the Hurricanes over Ohio State, USC, and Illinois.

Lightfoot on why he chose Miami

“Miami feels like a real family, the coaches, the players, the people. They showed me that I’m a real priority and will take me to the next level.”

Relationship with coaching staff + their plan for Lightfoot

“Coach Joe S was the guy who came to my school and offered me a scholarship,” Lightfoot said. “After that, I’ve been connecting with the coaching staff ever since. Coach Cristobal and coach Taylor all showed me that I am the guy that they want and need, and I see their vision.”

The Illinois EDGE joins coach Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes’ top 25 class in the 2024 team rankings. He is accompanied by four-star running back Kevin Riley, four-star wide receiver Chance Robinson, and others.

Marquise Lightfoot Scouting Summary

“Explosive EDGE prospect who stands out due to his athleticism and effort level on Friday nights. Measured in at over 6-foot-5, 220 pounds prior to his senior season. Has solid length for the position with a 6-foot-9 wing-span. A twitchy, quick athlete who turned in strong marks with his change of direction in the combine setting. Posted a 4.25 second short shuttle and 7.0 second 3-cone at UC Report’s Kansas City camp. Parlays that burst onto the field. Lines up both as a traditional defensive end and as a stand up pass rusher. Makes eye-popping plays in backside pursuit. Tracks down ball carriers from behind, making high-level individual plays. Shows good first step quickness, darting into the backfield. Takes on blocks and works to hold his ground as a run defender. Plays with intensity and a high effort level.”

“Productive as a junior, tallying 122 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 9 sacks. Also plays tight end, where he made some big plays as a pass-catcher. Will need to hone his pass rush technique at the next level as he is making most of his plays with pure athleticism and effort. Does not look to have an overly large frame, but has solid size at 220 pounds. Younger for the class with an April birthday.”

Lightfoot ranks as the No. 71 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 5 EDGE and the No. 3 player in the state of Illinois.

He currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $114K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.