The commitment from four-star Chicago Kenwood Academy edge rusher Marquis Lightfoot on Monday was vast throughout websites covering the Miami Hurricanes football program. Lightfoot instantly became the highest-rated commit to Miami in 2024. Miami vaulted into the top 20 with the Lightfoot commitment.
Allen Trieu of 247 Sports and Frank Tucker of Canes County quoted Lightfoot stating that Miami defensive line coach Jason Taylor and walk-on defensive back Myles Mooyoung as having a major impact on his decision to commit to Miami. Mooyoung graduated from Kenwood. Lightfoot also liked the Miami tradition and history.
Lightfoot told Trieu he went through the history of Miami and saw all their first-rounders and NFL Players. “(DL coach) Joe Salave’a, Jason Taylor and Coach Cristobal have a history of developing players.” per Lightfoot. Taylor showed Lightfoot when he needs to improve and what he likes in Lightfoot’s game.
Tucker expects that “Lightfoot’s commitment is a signal of momentum coming Miami’s way.” Lightfoot was quoted by Tucker as stating “I was not expecting anything when I went to Miami because it was a trip just to be down in the area, but I was impressed while I was there.”
Gaby Urrutia of Inside the U wrote that Lightfoot is “Jason Taylor’s first high school commitment comes in (a) tight battle over Ohio State.” As a Pro Football Hall of Famer, the hope is that the Miami Hurricanes will continue to receive commitments from and sign more elite players on the defensive line with Taylor on the staff.
Lightfoot was also praised by 247 Sports recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna. Petagna tweeted he is a big fan of Lightfoot and his projection at the next level. At 6’5 with an 81-inch wing span, Petagna likes the length that Lightfoot has. Petagana also praised Lightfoot for having a high motor and his future pairing with Rueben Bain.