Miami freshman Rueben Bain was named as the “247 Sports True Freshman of the Week” and the “ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week and ACC Rookie of the Week.” Bain had eight tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two QB hits and one forced fumble in a dominant performance versus Clemson.
Rueben Bain nearly doubled his production for the entire season on Saturday. Steadily getting more playing time because of injuries on the defensive line this season, Bain now has 19 tackles, five tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles as a true freshman this season. Expect Bain to start the rest of the season.
Mario Cristobal announced on Monday that starting defensive end Nyjalik Kelly is out for the rest of the season. Almost all of the production from Bain has been in the last four games. Rueben Bain had one tackle, one TFL and one sack in the first three 2023 games. Bain has 17 tackles, four TFLs and 3.5 sacks in the last four games.
Bain is the sixth player honored by the ACC this season. Previously, Anez Cooper earned Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week, Jaden Davis defensive back of the Week, Jacolby George wide receiver of the Week and Tyler Van Dyke the Quarterback of the Week. Expect many more ACC POW’s for Bain.
Highest graded Edge Rushers from Week 8🔥 pic.twitter.com/40acICU4Wp
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 23, 2023
In receiving his accolade as the National True Freshman of the Week, 247 Sports said it was inevitable with Bain. Chris Hummer of 247 Sports said “Bain dominated like a Batman villain. He broke the back of Clemson’s offensive line.” Bain added 10 pressures of Clemson QB Cade Klubnik per Pro Football Focus.
The 10 pressures were the second most recorded this season. Bain recording numbers that have exceeded all but one upperclassman is exceptional as a true freshman. Bain was part of a Miami defense that held Clemson to 31 yards rushing on 34 carries. Clemson ran for 207 yards in their previous game versus Wake Forest.
Bain has the most snaps of any Miami defensive lineman. With Kelly out for the season that should continue in the final five games of 2023. Bain has proven he will be an impact player against the team that was picked to finish first in the ACC in the preseason. Miami needs Bain to continue being an impact player.