Miami’s 2023 recruiting class was historic. The Hurricanes brought in the best class in the 247- era. Miami finished with a top-7 class, the Canes’ highest ranking ever by the 247- recruiting service. But now it is time to look forward to the 2024 recruiting cycle where the Hurricanes hope to continue the recruiting momentum that started with the 2023 class and build another elite class. For this 2024 cycle, these are my top 5 must-get players:
1. Jeremiah Smith– The Chaminade-Madonna product is the highest-ranked wide receiver in 2024 and the number two player in the nation in the 247Sports composite ranking. For the Canes, this is as big a must-get as there is. The leading receiver last year for the Canes was TE Will Mallory with 538 yards and 3 touchdown catches. Behind Mallory was wide receiver Colbie Young with 376 yards and 5 touchdown passes in 8 games. Jeremiah Smith is arguably the most talented wide receiver in South Florida since Jerry Jeudy and would transform Miami’s room the second he steps on campus. Although he committed to Brian Hartline and Ohio State, expect Miami to press extremely hard and do everything possible to flip his commitment. David Cooney, the Canes recruiting director tweeted this after Smith’s commitment:
“370” is a reference to the days until the next early signing day for the 2024 class, counting from the time in which Jeremiah Smith committed. Clearly, Miami feels confident they can flip the #1 wide receiver in the nation.
2. Prentiss “Air” Noland– This is likely TVD’s last year before he heads to the NFL. After backup quarterback Jake Garcia decided to hit the transfer portal, the position is thin with second-year standout Jacurri Brown, Peyton Matocha, and incoming freshman Emory Williams. Brown has talent but still has a way to go in terms of development. With QB being the most important position in football, landing a talent like Noland (55 TDs, 4 ints, 4095 yds) would give Miami a blue-chip gunslinger.
3. David Stone– Hailing from IMG Academy, Stone is considered the nation’s number two defensive lineman. This is the type of player that makes up the stout defensive fronts of Bama, UGA, or Clemson. If Miami wants to compete for National Championships, they must start winning recruiting battles for the top linemen in the nation. In 2023 Cristobal rebuilt the OL by bringing in two of the top 3 tackles in the nation Samson Okunlola and Francis Mauigoa. He is hoping to accomplish the same with the interior of the defensive line in the 2024 class and Stone is the crown jewel. Miami made strides recruiting IMG academy as they saw four standouts join their 2023 class, and they are hoping they can continue building that pipeline with Stone.
4. Ellis Robinson IV– The number one cornerback in the 247Sports composite and another IMG standout who Miami hopes to land. Robinson is an athletic freak with a laser-timed 40 of 4.5 seconds, a 36-inch vertical leap, and long arms. This is the type of cornerback that shuts down one side of the field and is the type of elite cornerback prospect that has eluded Miami for the past decade. Competition for Ellis Robinson IV will include UGA, Bama, LSU, and Colorado.
5. TJ Capers– Capers is the 7th ranked overall player in the 247Sports composite. He is considered the best linebacker in the nation and hails from Columbus High School, which happens to be Mario Cristobal’s alma mater. Capers who is a physical specimen that stands at 6’2 and 230lb, runs a 4.6, 40, and 4.5 short shuttle making him an elite backer that can both rush the passer and chase down running backs. Capers recently committed to the University of Louisville; but despite this early commitment, I do not expect Capers to stick with Louisville. I don’t see Cristobal losing a blue-chip player of this caliber from his high school when Miami is actively recruiting him. Cristobal wants to remake the LB room and landing a top 10 player and placing him alongside Wesley Bissainthe, Raul Aguirre, and Malik Bryant would start the process. Landing Capers would turn the once-upon-a-time weaknesses on the team into one of the most talented groups in the nation.
