ESPN names Rueben Bain of their favorite ACC players
After being named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and a freshman All-American, a lot is expected from Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain in 2024. Andrea Adelson and David Hale named Bain as one of their favorite players in the ESPN "ACC preview: Power rankings, favorite players, must-see games"
Bain had a breakout freshman season with 44 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 3,0 forced fumbles and 1.0 sack. Bain played sparingly during the first three games during the 2023 season. After contributing in the next three games, Bain brokeout in the middle of the 2023 season.
Bain had 15 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss 4.0 sacks, a forced fumble and a pass breakup in wins over Clemson and Virginia. Miami added significant help at edge rusher to its 2024 roster to alleviate double teams on Bain this season. Bain was named preseason first-team All-ACC.
Akheem Mesidor returns for Miami in 2024 after missing most of the 2023 season with foot injuries. Elijah Alston from Marshall and Tyler Baron from Tennessee via Louisville provide Miami with one of the deepest edge rushing units nationally. Bain and Mesidor could move inside on passing downs.
"Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami: Will quarterback Cam Ward make some plays on offense this season? Absolutely. But Bain will be the player to watch on defense after a terrific freshman debut last season. Bain had 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, in addition to 44 tackles, and is poised for more in 2024."
- Andrea Adelson and David Hale, ESPN
Bain told the ACC Network Mesidor is setting the standard for the defensive line. Even though he is a sophomore, Bain should be one of the leaders on the Miami defense in 2024. Bain and middle linebacker Francisco Mauigoa are the only Miami defensive players named preseason All-ACC.
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Bain is one of the most exciting players to watch in the ACC and for Miami. Led by Bain, watching Miami get after opposing quarterbacks is one of the areas to watch for the Hurricanes in 2024. If Miami can get ahead in games early, the front four will make offenses very uncomfortable in 2024.