In a previous article, I discussed the top five players the Miami Hurricanes must land in the 2024 recruiting cycle. As I was weighing each player, I realized that there is a second batch of players that could perfectly fit that ‘must-get category”. This article will not focus on the “six through ten” players, but instead on players who are arguably just as important for Miami to land.
Josiah “Jo Jo” Trader
Josiah Trader is one of the top wide receivers in the nation. The Chaminade – Madonna Prep star is ranked #11 nationally by the 247Sports composite rankings and is the number three ranked wide receiver in the nation. One of the most explosive players in the country, Trader can make all the catches. He excels at making athletic catches and his burst and vision allow him to easily get by opposing cornerbacks. Trader is not just a special wide receiver; he has the ability to play cornerback as well. If he wanted to, he could also be a 5-star caliber defensive back because of his ability to shut down one side of the field. Yet his explosiveness on offense and big play ability are just too good for the Miami Hurricanes to pass up. Expect Miami to put forth maximum effort into getting his pledge early, with the hopes that Trader can become a class ambassador.
Brandon Baker
The top OT in the 247Sports composite, Brandon Baker is the number one OL target for Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal. The Mater Dei product is the younger brother of Gary Baker and is an athletic lineman that projects at left guard at the next level. Baker’s familiarity with both the guard and the tackle spot makes him a perfect fit in Miami as Alex Mirabal loves to cross-train his offensive linemen. Pulling him from California will be tough, as both Oregon and USC have made him a top priority, but when it comes to landing premier offensive linemen, do not count out Mario Cristobal. If Miami were to land Baker, they would start to create the type of elite depth at the left tackle position that you see dynasties build.
Mike Matthews
The standout from Georgia is one of the best two-way players in the nation. Considered by the 247Sports Composite as a top-five national player, and the number-one athlete in the nation, Matthews is explosive on both sides of the ball. His money position on defense is at safety, and he has shown that he can easily shut down one side of the field with his speed and instincts. He is also a tremendous tackler, an issue that has plagued Miami for the last couple of years. For Miami, landing an elite safety like Matthews is a must, as the Canes safety room outside of Kamren Kinchens is unproven.
Chance Robinson
The Hurricanes really like Chance Robinson. One of the top targets in this class with 33 offers so far, Robinson can do it all. Robinson is a great route runner that creates separation purely based on his skill set. He can also go vertical when he needs to, has an uncanny ability to make plays, and is not afraid to block. Overall, he is a complete wide receiver who can help Miami tremendously, providing another playmaker who is extremely high on Miami’s board as a priority target.
DJ Lagway
A top-20 national player and current Florida commit, Lagway is an absolute monster of a player. Holding 34 offers already and sitting at 6’2 225 lbs, the Texas standout is a top-three QB nationwide. With a strong arm and improved accuracy, Lagway can make NFL-type throws. Just as impressive, he is a tremendous runner, powerful, and hard to tackle. For the Canes he would be the perfect fit in Dawson’s air-raid system, taking full advantage of the playbook in ways other QBs cannot. The Hurricanes are currently pursuing Air Noland and Michael Van Buren, but I believe that Lagway is the most dynamic QB in the nation. Simply put, if Miami lands Lagway they are landing a program-changer at the most important position in football.
