Andrea Adelson and David Hale of ESPN named Miami tight end Elija Lofton as an impact freshman in their "ACC preview: Power rankings, favorite players, must-see games." Lofton is one of several freshmen in the sixth-ranked 2024 Miami class by ESPN who could make an impact for the Hurricanes in 2024.
ESPN ranked Lofton as the 211th prospect nationally, 15th TE, 28th player in the West and first in Nevada in the 2024 class. Lofton is expected to begin the 2024 season third on the depth chart at TE for Miami behind Elijah Arroyo and Riley Williams. The versatility Lofton provides will be valuable for Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson.
Expect Miami to use Lofton at H-back, running back and TE. Lofton had 29 receptions for 594 yards and 10 touchdowns and 17 carries for 76 yards and nine TDs as a senior at Las Vegas Bishop Gorman in 2023. Lofton even completed one pass for 21 yards and a TD last season.
Clemson wide receiver Bryant Wesco and Pittsburgh defensive lineman Sincere Edwards are the other two freshmen projected to make an impact in 2024 by Adelson and Hale. Adelson and Hale summarized the expectations for Lofton entering the 2024 season.
Reporter: "Will you expect Elijah Arroyo and Elija Lofton on the field at the same time?"
— Coop (@TheCoachCoop) August 7, 2024
Dawson: "I would expect everything."
I love that answer! 😂#GoCanes 🙌 pic.twitter.com/gUkN8EyO07
"Elija Lofton, TE, Miami: The Hurricanes signed another top recruiting class, but the player...who can make an impact early is Lofton...Miami...could use him in a variety of ways thanks to his versatility. He played running back in the spring game, for example, to help provide some depth. "Andrea Adelson and David Hale, ESPN
Lofton should be a contributor for Miami in 2024. The expectation is for Arroyo and Williams to receive most of the TE snaps for Miami in 2024, with Cam McCormick being utilized primarily as a blocker. Lofton will be a key player for Miami in short yardage as a blocker, potentially a runner and a receiver.
Miami is rebuilding its depth to reclaim its status as TE. Arroyo, Lofton and Williams give Miami three athletic TEs who can all make an impact for the Hurricanes. Expect Miami to significantly increase its utilization of the TEs in the offense in 2024. Lofton could become a Miami folk hero as a freshman.