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 have gone out to multiple defensive linemen with the Canes casting a wide net that extends nationwide. My colleague at LifeWallet Sports, Luke I. Chaney has already written about two high-interest targets here and here. Outside of Deyvid Palepale and Tyreek’e Robinson, here is the top group of interior defensive line players that the Hurricanes are pursuing:
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 streamline 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 would give 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.
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.
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.
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 and 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 with a proper strength and conditioning program. I expect Mario Cristobal will make Willow Jr. one of his highest priorities this whole cycle and he would love to land both Stone and Willow Jr. and to 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.
Landen “Meat” Marshall
Marshall comes from the state of Alabama and is already 6’3 and 285lb. His recruitment is shaping up as a Miami vs Florida State battle with Auburn and Oregon lurking. The Alabama standout is considered a 3-star by the major recruiting services. He had a big junior year with 34 total tackles, 26 solo tackles, and 10.5 TFL. I expect a big senior season from Marshall that will solidify him as a legit 4-star prospect across the recruiting services. As of now, Marshall is a gem that is criminally under-ranked and is a player that would help Miami make inroads in the talent-rich state of Alabama. Miami landed a talented and underrated DT last cycle in Joshua Horton from Langston Hughes high school in the state of Georgia. By pursuing a disruptive talent like Marshall, they can fend off blue-chip programs that might come calling later.
Terrance Hibbler
At 6’3 and 305lb, Terrance Hibbler is a top target for the Miami Hurricanes. Alonzo Highsmith himself got involved and offered Hibbler who is one of the top players in Mississippi. He is a top 30 DL nationwide on the 247- composite and top 3 at his position on Rivals. He currently hosts 24 offers with programs like Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Texas, Oregon, USC, and Texas A&M. A massive player already, he is bigger going into his senior season than Ahmad Moten, who Miami expects to contribute this upcoming year. Hibbler’s size makes him a true interior player that will develop into a monster of a player at the next level.
Ideally, Miami lands three interior defensive linemen in the 2024 recruiting class. If they are able to pair at least two of the above talents with a Robinson, a Palepale, or even a Jordan Thomas, the Canes would then have the building blocks for one of the best lines in the nation for the next couple of years.
