The Miami Hurricanes are prioritizing the interior defensive line in the 2024 recruiting class. After landing just one high school interior defensive lineman in the 2023 class, Mario Cristobal wants to land multiple elite, blue-chip caliber types of defensive linemen, similar to what he accomplished with the offensive line last year. So far, a slew of offers has gone out to multiple defensive linemen with the Canes casting a wide net that extends nationwide. After three months, the board of targets for Miami has become clearer, and the Canes have expanded their target list of tackles. It seems the Canes will easily take 5-7 guys on their board as some of the targets they are chasing have the versatility to also play defensive end. Here is the updated and growing list of DT targets that the Canes are chasing:
Daylen Russell- Miami Commit
This is a recruit that the Miami staff has liked for months. Columbus has traditionally been a feeder school to Miami and the Canes are continuing that relationship by taking one of their best players, who was the Miami- Dade defensive player of the year in 2022. Russell finished the year with 84 tackles and 10 sacks. One of his best traits is his motor and proven production. His addition to the class will have zero effect on the other targets Miami has been chasing, they will take as many quality tackles as they can take.
David Stone
Stone brings a dominant presence to the field with his explosive first move and powerful hands, making him a formidable opponent for opposing offenses. Stone transferred to IMG Academy, a top-ranked high school football program, prior to his junior year and made an immediate impact on the team. He was a crucial defense member that finished fifth in the MaxPreps Top 25. Not only is Stone a valuable asset as a pass rusher with his ability to get past opposing linemen and collapse pockets, but he also excels at shedding blocks and filling gaps, making him a versatile interior lineman. His streamlined build and agility make him a challenging player to block, and his nearly 7-foot wingspan provides him with the length to disrupt passing lanes. The Miami Hurricanes should make Stone their number one priority in their recruiting class, as he possesses the burst and versatility to make a significant impact early in his college career. Stone gives the Hurricanes a powerful weapon in the middle of their defense and adds a Leonard Taylor-type of blue-chip talent to one of the most important positions in college football. Stone will officially visit Miami on June 9th.
Justin Scott
Scott is another high-priority defensive tackle for the Hurricanes. Considered a top-8 national prospect by Rivals and a top- 5 DT on the 247- composite ranking, Scott has all the tools to dominate at the college level. Scott’s size and athleticism make him a dominant presence in the middle of the field. He is quick off the line and his ability to bend well allows him to outmaneuver blockers with ease. Additionally, he moves swiftly toward the ball, making him a formidable opponent for any offensive player. This is the type of DT that usually ends up in a major SEC program. Miami will have strong competition for the Chicago native, with Notre Dame presenting a strong challenge to obtain his verbal commitment. Miami has made a lot of progress in this recruitment and Scott has been crystal balled to Miami by 247 Sports. Scott will officially visit Miami from June 16th-18th, and I expect Miami to continue the momentum with Scott and close strong here.
Aydin Breland
Hailing From Mater Dei in Santa Ana California, Aydin Breland is one of the top defensive players in the nation. Already listed as 6’5 and 290lb, without hitting a college weight room, Breland is a man amongst boys at the defensive tackle position. When you look at his film, the first word you think of is “explosive”. Breland has a great burst and long hands that easily helps him get by offensive linemen. With over 22 offers including LSU, USC, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Alabama, Breland will be another blue-chip battle. I do like that Mario Cristobal is focusing nationally and going after talents such as Breland. His experience in the Pacific Northwest puts him in a prime position to land a big-time talent in a position of need. Breland has been effusive in his praise for the Hurricanes program during his unofficial visits. Miami is hoping to continue to impress Breland when he officially visits Miami on June 9th.
Ernest Willow Jr.
Originally from Baltimore, Willow Jr transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season. Primarily an edge player, Willow Jr. also has experience working as an interior DL. Currently boasts 26 offers including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin. At 6’4 and 250lb, he can be seen as a “tweener” at DT, but his frame will allow him to put on more weight once he reaches a college weight room and a proper strength and conditioning program. I expect Mario Cristobal will make Willow Jr. one of his highest priorities this whole cycle and would love to land both Stone and Willow Jr. and continue the” IMG to the U” trend that started last year. Willow Jr. would give Miami an elite athlete that can be used in multiple formations as he can play both inside and outside.
Alex January
January is a massive DT who carries a 6’4 frame weighing 325 lbs. The three- star tackle out of Texas currently has 25 offers with the likes of FSU, OU, Texas, and LSU chasing him. For Miami, finding an interior DT that is a space eater is a top priority this cycle. January fits this bill and would give the Canes another talented space eater with Ahmad Moten already on the roster. January took an official visit to Miami on June 2nd.
Kamarion Franklin
A dual- sports athlete from Mississippi, Franklin is an athletic defensive player that can play both inside and outside. Franklin had 19 sacks and 93 tackles his junior year and is one of the top priorities along the defensive line for the Miami Hurricanes. Miami is in a good spot with Franklin but the team to watch here is Tennessee as they have also made inroads in this recruitment. Franklin is officially visiting Miami this weekend, June 2-4th and Miami is hope to make a significant move in his recruitment.
Jayden Jackson
Jackson proviene de la Academia IMG y también es otro gran DT que se come el espacio que se sitúa en 6'2 y 300 libras. A Miami le gusta mucho Jackson y lo está reclutando junto con un montón de otros destacados de IMG este ciclo, incluyendo a su compañero de línea defensiva interior David Stone. Jackson tiene ofertas de 32 programas y Florida, OSU, OU, y Texas son los principales contendientes por sus servicios con los Canes en el centro de las cosas. Jackson hizo una visita oficial a Florida el2 de junio y se espera que haga oficial su oferta a los Canes el fin de semanadel 9 de junio. Este fin de semana Miami está en una buena posición para hacerse con los servicios de Jackson.
Artavious Jones
Artavious Jones es otro DL de primera categoría que los Canes persiguen. Jones mide 6'3 y pesa 280 libras y está subiendo en las clasificaciones, ya que se está acercando a convertirse en un prospecto top-150 en la nación. Jones tiene 26 ofertas y Tennessee y Florida State son los principales competidores de Miami. Jones tiene programada una visita oficial a Miami el 23 de junio y a los Canes les encantaría robárselo a Nole.
TA Cunningham
Cunningham es otro versátil tackle defensivo que puede jugar tanto de extremo defensivo como de interior. Recientemente transferido a Miami Central, Cunningham se ha sentido muy cómodo en el programa de los Miami Hurricanes. El destacado Central afirma tener más de 60 ofertas y tiene una buena relación con Breland y Justin Scott. Espero que Miami continúe cortejándolo. No se sorprenda si Cunningham aterriza en esta clase.
Jericho Johnson
Johnson es otro tackle masivo que Miami ha ofrecido y está presionando duro. Con 6'4 y 300 libras, Johnson es otro devorador de espacio que proporciona el tamaño que Miami actualmente carece en la lista. Johnson es otro atleta de doble deporte que los Canes están reclutando, ya que jugó al baloncesto en su segunda temporada de la escuela secundaria. Johnson tiene 20 ofertas, incluidas las de programas como Washington, Auburn, Alabama y Georgia. En este momento, Miami y Washington son los dos principales contendientes para contratar sus servicios. Johnson visitará oficialmente a los Canes el 16 de junio.
Los Canes van a ser lo más agresivos posible este ciclo con toda la línea defensiva. Miami está reclutando una mezcla de chicos atléticos y versátiles que pueden jugar por fuera y por dentro, a la vez que recluta grandes devoradores de espacio de calidad. Esperen que los Canes traigan una de las mejores clases de línea defensiva de la nación y posiblemente la mejor clase en la historia del fútbol de los Canes.
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