Miami Hurricanes: 2024 commit breakdown

Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes are putting the finishing touches on a top-10 recruiting class this cycle.

As of Dec. 14, Miami currently has 28 commitments, 12 of whom are projected to play offense, while 15 are expected to play on the defensive side of the ball, leaving one for the special teams unit.

The Hurricanes’ class checks in at No. 8 in the nation and No. 2 in the ACC, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking.

Miami Class Breakdown

Miami’s class consists of one five-star, 11 four-stars and 16 three-star prospects. The class is headlined by three top-60 pledges: Chicago St. Ignatius five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott, Chicago Kenwood Academy four-star EDGE Marquise Lightfoot and Miami Chaminade-Madonna four-star wide receiver Joshisa Trader.

Four additional top-150 recruits are committed to Cristobal and the Hurricanes: Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County four-star WR Ny Carr, Chaminade-Madonna four-star safety Zaquan Patterson, Northport (Ala.) Tuscaloosa County four-star running back Kevin Riley and Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas four-star WR Chance Robinson.

Four-star and five-star prospects are rated as ‘blue-chip’ prospects — Miami’s class sits at No. 19 nationally in blue-chip percentage at 42.86%. The average distance of a Miami recruit’s hometown to Coral Gables is 592.4 miles and 43% of the class hails from the state of Florida.

Top Commit: DL Justin Scott

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Scott is the highest-ranked overall and defensive commitment for the Hurricanes this cycle, ranking as the nation’s No. 15 overall prospect and No. 2 DL. He flipped to the Canes from Ohio State on Nov. 29.

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.”

Top Offense Commit: WR Joshisa Trader

The 6-foot-0.5, 175-pound Trader is the highest-ranked pledge for the Hurricanes on the offensive side, checking in as the No. 56 overall prospect and No. 13 wideout. He committed to Miami on July 13, choosing the in-state school over Florida, Florida State and Ohio State.

On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him:

“Savvy receiver with signs of a well-rounded skill set as he enters his junior season. Uses his natural shake and change of direction as a route-runner, where he is one of the more technically-advanced receivers early on in the 2024 cycle. Has shown the ability to break off defensive backs with his start-stop ability. A fluid, natural mover in the route and after-catch phases. Shows the ability to track the football downfield. Already has above average size at over 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds. Made big plays against big-time competition in South Florida on a consistent basis.”