Miami TE Elija Lofton named midseason true freshman All-American

Miami freshman tight end Elija Lofton was named to "The 247Sports Midseason True Freshman All-American Team for 2024" on Thursday. Lofton has eight receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown this season. Lofton had two receptions in each of the first three 2024 games.

Miami has utilized Lofton in key situations. Lofton had a big 35-yard reception on the final drive at Florida and a 24-yard catch in the fourth-quarter drive that cut the Miami deficit to 38-25 at California. Four of Lofton's eight receptions have been for four downs, four have been for 15 yards or more and two for over 25 yards.

Lofton is part of a Miami TE unit that has three players who could eclipse the production the Hurricanes received from the position in all of 2023, Miami TEs had 18 receptions for 154 yards and one TD in 2023. Miami TEs have 31 receptions for 543 yards and seven TDs in 2024.

Lofton and sophomore Riley Williams are the TEs of the future for Miami. Elijah Arroyo is finally living up to his potential now that he is healthy as a redshirt junior. Arroyo has 14 receptions for 286 yards and four TDs. Arroyo has been a mentor to the younger Miami TEs, including Lofton and can enter the 2025 NFL Draft.

"ELIJA LOFTON, MIAMI TE
Top247 rank: No. 181 overall, No. 10 TE
Few true freshman tight ends have played significant roles this season, but Elija Lofton carved out a niche for Miami this year as a chess piece who can be deployed in multiple ways.

Lofton, who worked some at running back in the spring, has taken 17-plus snaps in the backfield, as an attached tight end and in the slot. He's caught eight passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. Lofton is also a plus blocker, carrying 70-plus run- and pass-block grades this season, according to PFF."

- Chris Hummer, 247 Sports.

Lofton was named to his second midseason true freshman All-American team. On3 named Miami cornerback O.J. Frederique and Lofton to their midseason true freshman All-American team last week. Frederique has 11 tackles, one tackle for loss and a pass breakup in 2024.

Miami can utilize Lofton as an old-school h-back. He is equally adept as a pass and run blocker and a receiver as Hummer mentions above. Lofton has proven his ability on the best offense nationally. The versatility Lofton provides allows Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson to use him in multiple formations.

The depth Miami has at TE has helped the Hurricanes become the best offense nationally. Lofton leads freshmen TEs nationally in receiving yards and offensive grade, is fourth in pass blocking and fifth in run blocking. As the season progresses, expect Lofton to become more involved in the Miami offense.

Mario Cristobal spoke earlier this week about the importance of developing younger players. Expect freshmen who are ready to contribute to continue getting playing time. By the end of the 2024 regular season, Lofton should be the best freshman on the Miami roster.