3 Miami Hurricanes named top 100 Impact True Freshmen
Edge rusher Marquise Lightfoot, linebacker Cameron Pruitt and tight end Elija Lofton have been named by Chris Hummer of 247Sports as "Impact True Freshmen: 100 first-year players who will influence the 2024 college football season."
Lightfoot, Lofton and Pruitt are all expected to have roles as key reserves for Miami in 2024. Lightfoot should emerge as a situational pass rusher as the season evolves. Lofton is a versatile player who can lineup at H-Back, running back and TE. Pruitt emerged during spring practice on the two-deep depth chart at linebacker.
Hummer praised Lightfoot's performance in the Miami's spring game with three sacks. Despite Miami being deep at edge rusher, Hummer stated there is a thought around the Miami program that Lightfoot will force his way onto the field. Lightfoot's burst at edge rusher is special per Hummer.
Lofton put on a show this spring in Hummer's opinion. The ability for Lofton to thrive as a pass catcher and at RB makes him a potential impact player as a true freshman. Lofton received RB snaps this spring before Miami added Oregon State transfer Damien Martinez.
Lofton could receive snaps in short yardage as a runner and blocker. Entering August training camp expect Lofton to compete for second-team TE snaps and targets with sophomore Riley Williams. Redshirt junior Elijah Arroyo is projected to be the first-team TE for Miami in 2024.
Pruitt was impressive this spring per Hummer with his ability to fly to the football and his aggressiveness. The performance by Pruitt this spring allowed him to flash his ability and push his way into the two-deep. Pruitt will have to put on more mass at 6'2 and 200 pounds.
Another Miami true freshman who is expected to receive significant snaps in 2024 not on Hummer's list is wide receiver Joshisa Trader. Trader was impressive this spring with acrobatic catches and projects as the fourth or fifth WR in the Miami rotation.
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With the fourth-best 2024 class in the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Miami has an elite group of true freshmen ready to contribute. Mario Cristobal and his staff have shown a willingness to trust and rely on freshmen. Edge rusher Rueben Bain and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa were named 2023 Freshmen All-Americans.