Two Miami Hurricanes skyrocket up ESPN redone 2018 recruiting rankings

Two Miami Hurricanes signees skyrocketed in re-ranking of the 2018 recruiting rankings by ESPN.

In a re-ranking of the 2018 recruiting rankings, Miami Hurricanes defensive end Greg Rousseau and tight end Brevin Jordan skyrocketed via ESPN. Jordan was the top-ranked TE by ESPN in 2018 and the 20th ranked player overall. Rousseau was ranked 43rd as an athlete by ESPN but not ranked overall in the ESPN 300.

Jordan has been the best receiver for Miami during his three seasons with the Hurricanes. The production Jordan has shown with 82 receptions for 994 yards and nine touchdowns helped elevate him significantly. Rousseau had a breakout 2019 season before choosing to opt-out for 2020 because of the COVID-19 virus.

Rousseau had 54 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks in his only season playing for Miami after taking a medical redshirt in 2018. Both Rousseau and Jordan are projected to be first-round draft picks in 2021. Jordan has become the go-to receiver for Miami quarterback D’Eriq King this season.

Jordan and his Miami teammates will receive the biggest test of their collegiate careers on Saturday at Clemson. Renowned Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables mentioned this week about the concern that Clemson has for Jordan and Miami’s other 2018 TE signee Will Mallory. ESPN summarized Jordan and Mallory.

"10. TE Brevin Jordan2018 ESPN 300 ranking: 20The No. 1-ranked tight end in the 2018 class has lived up to expectations in Coral Gables after making 67 catches for 782 yards and six touchdowns in his first two seasons. Jordan’s junior season is on pace to be even better, positioning him to move up 2021 NFL draft boards.11. DE Gregory Rousseau2018 ESPN 300 ranking: UnrankedRousseau, nearly a four-star prospect coming out of South Florida as a 6-foot-6, 209-pound athlete, has gained more than 50 pounds and blossomed into a force off the edge for the Hurricanes.After an ankle injury cut his freshman season short, Rousseau became a household name in college football with 15.5 sacks in 2019, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He opted out of the 2020 season."

Rousseau was expected to lead the best group of edge rushers in college football before he chose to opt-out for 2020. Miami tied for sixth in TFLs and seventh in sacks with Rousseau in 2019. Without Rousseau in 2020 Miami is fourth in TFLs and 15th in sacks. Rousseau has been succeeded by Quincy Roche and Jaelan Phillips.

Roche leads Miami with 5.5 TFLs and two sacks. Phillips has 2.5 TFLs and one interception. Phillips has put pressure on opposing QBs. Expect the sacks numbers to improve deeper into the season. The 2018 Miami Hurricanes signing class has been mostly hit or miss. Seven Hurricanes have transfered who signed in 2018.

Other signees have become key contributors like Jordan and Rousseau. Ten 2018 signees are starting this season. Safety Gurvan Hall and cornerback Al Blades are multi-year starters who have stepped into key roles in the Miami secondary this season. The players that remain from the 2018 class are key contributors.