Miami jumps into top-10 of On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings

Miami added a massive piece to its 2024 football recruiting class on Wednesday, flipping five-star Chicago (Ill.) St. Ignatius defensive lineman Justin Scott away from Ohio State.

The Hurricanes were a finalist for Scott the first time around when he committed to the Buckeyes, and their continued efforts to flip him eventually paid off.

“Miami never went away,” he told On3. “Even after I committed to Ohio State, Miami stayed in the back of my mind. I started talking to the Miami coaches again a couple of weeks ago, and after having a talk with my mom, I made the decision to flip to Miami. I have known for about a week. Once I had that talk with my mom to let her know how I felt and found out she was OK with my decision, then I knew.”

With his commitment, the Hurricanes jumped five spots in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings from No. 14 nationally to No. 9. In the process, they leapt over Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, LSU and Notre Dame.

Hurricanes building another elite class under Mario Cristobal

With Scott now in the mix, Miami has is now up to 27 commitments this cycle, including 11 blue-chippers. Scott is the highest-ranked pledge in the class, joining four-star wide receivers Ny Carr and Joshisa Trader, as well as four-star EDGE Marquise Lightfoot, in the top-60 nationally. The class also features Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas four-star WR Chance Robinson.

In total, Miami has six top-100 commitments, with Scott Trader and Carr are flanked by Northport (Ala.) Tuscaloosa County four-star running back Kevin Riley, Chicago Kenwood Academy four-star EDGE Marquise Lightfoot and Chaminade-Madonna four-star safety Zaquan Patterson.

Other commits in the class include Las Vegas Bishop Gorman four-star tight end Elija Lofton, four-star defensive lineman Artavius Jones, and four-star EDGEs Booker Pickett and Elias Rudolph.

Scott is a game-changing defensive lineman

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Scott is an enormous addition for Cristobal and Co., who missed out on a handful of elite defensive line targets earlier in the cycle. He is rated as a five-star by three of the four major recruiting services, and On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him as a prospect:

“Naturally-gifted defensive tackle with rare movement skills. One of the more unique jumbo athletes early on in the 2024 cycle. Considered the top prospect from Chicago in several cycles. Measured in at 6-foot-4 and close to 315 pounds prior to his senior season. Has solid length with 33-inch arms. A light-footed, nimble athlete who moves like a much smaller player. Lines up both on the interior and the edge for his high school. Creates regular disruption with his quickness and ability to convert speed to power. Chases down plays from the back side and runs sideline-to-sideline with ease.

… A loose, fluid mover with natural flexibility. Shows his natural explosion as a finisher. Also doubles as a dominant offensive lineman. Could be one of the top offensive line prospects in the cycle, as well. Relatively new to football, playing his first season at the varsity level as a sophomore. Has a background as a soccer and basketball player. Will need to continue developing from a technical aspect, particularly with his hands. Rapid ascension and quick improvement point to a high ceiling.”