Mario Cristobal details improvements made to Miami's defensive line

One of the key areas of emphasis on the recruiting trail for Miami was in the trenches. Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes officially landed eight defensive linemen and EDGEs on National Signing Day, headlined by five-stars Justin Scott and Armondo Blount, as part of a top-five class.

In fact, when he was asked about those defensive line prospects, Cristobal had to sort through a stack of papers on each player to answer the question.

“Where do you start off there?” he said.

Scott was the crown jewel of the group after flipping from Ohio State. A five-star recruit, he checked in as the No. 15 overall prospect and No. 2-ranked defensive lineman in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He committed to the Buckeyes in July, but became one of three Chicago natives to sign with Miami on Wednesday, joining Artavius Jones and Marquise Lightfoot.

Cristobal raved about both players, but pointed out what makes Scott stand out from the rest of the group. At more than 300 pounds, he not only ran the ball at St. Ignatius Academy, but also plays basketball. That means Miami not only got a great defensive lineman, but a great all-around athlete.

“Justin Scott and Artavius Jones [are] about as explosive as you could be for a big man,” Cristobal said. “These are wide bodies that are great athletes, as well. One a state weightlifting champ, the other guy’s playing basketball, which I had a chance to go see the other day at an invitational out there in Chicago. We have had great defensive linemen from Chicago before, right? If anyone remembers Russell Maryland — old teammate, my brother’s roommate back in the day — first overall pick.

“Well, Justin is a massive, massive man. Extremely athletic, great family, awesome mom. Great student, great high school. If you want to get an idea for his athletic ability, turn on his film, watch him run the football. There are no plans for him here to run the football. But, in high school wants to run the ball — 330 pounds is a pretty good indication of the type of athlete that he is.”

One interesting part about Miami’s recruiting class is the versatility of the defensive linemen. Cristobal said the Hurricanes got some linemen who can also play in the Jack linebacker spot, meaning they can line up as an outside linebacker and rush the passer while also dropping back into coverage if needed.

Couple that with the right mentality, and Mario Cristobal sounded more than confident in this year’s group of linemen.

“All these guys play with a high motor,” Cristobal said. “They’re really good technically, and that’s our job to get a better year. But they’re long explosive bodies. … Our EDGEs have come in the form of defensive ends, and Jack linebackers. They’re interchangeable, depending on what the offense is showing us. Explosive, tough, physical. Tremendous growth potential.”