The Miami Hurricanes are prioritizing the wide receiver position in the 2024 recruiting class. After landing two dynamic slot wide receivers in the 2023 class in Robby Washington and Nathaniel Joseph, Mario Cristobal wants to continue to land multiple, elite, blue-chip caliber type receivers, including a big time outside threat. So far, a slew of offers have gone out to multiple receivers with the Canes casting a wide net nationally. Here are the top group of wideouts that the Hurricanes are pursuing:
Jeremiah Smith
Jeremiah Smith, a product of Chaminade-Madonna, currently holds the highest rank among wide receivers in the 2024 class and is ranked as the number two player in the nation according to the 247Sports composite ranking. The Miami Hurricanes consider him to be a crucial recruit, as their leading receiver last year was TE Will Mallory, who had 538 yards and 3 touchdown catches. In comparison, wide receiver Colbie Young had 376 yards and 5 touchdown passes in 8 games. Smith’s talent as a wide receiver is unparalleled and there is an argument to be made that he is the top player in the nation regardless of position. Smith would undoubtedly have a significant impact on Miami’s team from the moment he sets foot on campus and would likely lock in one of the outside wideout spots. Although he has already committed to Ohio State under Brian Hartline, Miami is expected to make a strong push to try and convince him to change his commitment.
Josiah “Jo Jo” Trader
Trader is an outstanding wide receiver who is considered one of the best in the country. According to the 247Sports composite rankings, he is ranked #11 nationally and is ranked as the third-best wide receiver in the nation. He is known for his explosive playing style, which enables him to make athletic catches and quickly get past opposing cornerbacks. Although he has the ability to play both offense and defense, the Miami Hurricanes are focused on recruiting him for his offensive impact, his big play ability, and explosiveness.
Chance Robinson
Robinson is a blue-chip prospect, having received 33 offers from various schools. The Miami Hurricanes have a strong interest in him due to his diverse skillset. Robinson is an excellent route runner and is able to create separation from defenders purely through his abilities. He also has the ability to go deep and make big plays, as well as being unafraid to block. Robinson is an all-around player and a complete wide receiver who has the potential to be a valuable addition to Miami’s team, providing them with another playmaker. For the Canes, Robinson is a plan “A” kid, that is extremely high on their board.
Lawayne McCoy
When Mario Cristobal arrived in South Florida, recruiting the local schools became his priority. One of the schools Cristobal is prioritizing is Miami Central. McCoy who hails from Miami Central, is a two-way athlete that the Canes are hoping to use on the offensive side of the ball. He is another wideout that is a deep threat, something the Canes sorely lacked in 2022. Miami is making McCoy a priority and hoping, like Trader, he will become a local prospect that will jump early on and be one of the ambassadors of the ‘24 class. In the recent Under Armour Next Camp in Orlando, national Rivals recruiting analysts selected McCoy as the top wideout performer of the 2024 crop as he easily beat every single defensive back that was put in front of him. So far McCoy has 21 offers that include the likes of Miami, Texas A&M, Auburn , FSU and Michigan State. As he continues to blow up the camp circuit, expect many more programs to jump in on the McCoy train.
Terrance Moore
Terrence Moore is one of the most physically impressive wide receivers you will see anywhere in the country. The 6’3 190lb wideout has great hands and a knack for making big plays. He had a standout junior season, producing 1,021 yards and 13 touchdowns, for Tampa Catholic. Moore is an explosive route runner using his initial burst to create separation from defenders and making sharp cuts, creating just enough room from defensive backs who are usually helpless covering a large receiver that moves so smoothly. Moore has a talent for tracking deep passes and has shown he can outrun defenders. He has already received 46 offers, and Clemson is reportedly a top contender, but Miami is also firmly entrenched in his recruitment.
Ryan Wingo
One of the top wideouts in the nation, the St. Louis standout already has over 40 offers. Wingo has elite speed with a track time in the 100 meter of 10.55 seconds as a sophomore. Wingo is extremely shifty, making defenders miss in tight spaces and creating scoring opportunities on positive plays for the offense that lead to easy scores. If there is one word that describes Wingo it is “playmaker”, you get him the ball and he will make something happen. Miami hasn’t had a dynamic player on the roster that can score from anywhere like Wingo since Devin Hester.
Mylan Graham
A dual-sport athlete who plays both football and basketball, Graham is a top-five wide receiver in the nation. The standout from Indiana already has 24 offers and finished 2022 with 48 receptions, 1149 yards and 13 TDs. Graham has all the tools to be a star at the next level, although it might take him some time to adjust to the competition of the college game. Landing Graham will be an uphill battle, as Brian Hartline is heavily involved in his recruitment, making Ohio State the favorite to land his services. Despite the fact that he has been crystal balled to OSU, Miami is not ceding Graham and will continue to recruit him throughout the year.
Jerrae Hawkins
Miami doesn’t need to go far to look for top end speed. Jarrae Hawkins, who attends IMG, is the fastest player in Florida and easily one of the fastest players in the nation with a verified time of 10.45 in the 100 meters. Hawkins works mostly from the slot position and although he needs to put on more weight, a top college strength and conditioning program would help him put on the required muscle mass without sacrificing his speed. One of the biggest gripes with the wide receiver room at Miami last year was the lack of top end speed on the roster, a move that was addressed with Robby and Joseph. Cristobal is by no means satisfied and would love to add a burner like Hawkins that would blow the top off defenses.
Jelani Watkins
Another track star hailing from Texas, Watkins is one of the fastest players in the state. A burner that can play the slot position, Watkins already has offers from Miami, LSU, Oregon, Michigan and Texas A&M. Watkins seems like he will be another uphill battle as he was recently crystal balled to LSU.
