The Miami football program added their first transfer for the 2024 season with a commitment from North Carolina State defensive tackle C.J. Clark per Hayes Fawcett of On3. Clark projects to replace Leonard Taylor as a starting DT in 2024. Taylor announced his intention to enter the 2024 NFL Draft.
Clark had 72 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and four sacks over 42 games in five seasons at North Carolina State. Clark played 25 games in the last two seasons. A knee injury ended Clark's 2021 season after three games. Clark played 12 games in 2020. Miami has made the DL a priority for 2024.
In addition to Clark, Miami received a commitment from five-star DT Justin Scott last month. Earlier this week, 247 Sports and On3 projected Miami to flip Florida State five-star DT commit Armondo Blount. Expect Miami to add more transfer DTs for 2024. Miami is expected to sign the top 2024 DL class next week.
Clark originally signed with North Carolina State in the 2019 class as the 194th-ranked prospect, 16th DT and fourth player in North Carolina out of New London, North Stanly High School. The 247 Sports rankings list Clark as the 162nd-best transfer and 13th DL. Clark adds experience to the 2024 Miami DL.
Go Canes.. Let’s Work ! 🌪@canesfootball@coach_cristobal@jasontaylor@coachjsalavea@dtrain2901@CoachLGuidry pic.twitter.com/Ts66CMbw37
— 5. (@cfrmda4) December 16, 2023
Thomas Gore and Jared Harrison-Hunte have not announced if they intend to return for a sixth season in 2024. Beyond Clark, Gore and Harrison-Hunte Miami is extremely young. True freshman Josh Horton and redshirt freshman Ahmad Moten project to return for Miami in 2024 and be a major part of the rotation.
Miami also has 2023 transfers Anthony Campbell and Jamil Burroughs on the roster. Miami has depth at DT entering 2024, but other than Clark, Gore and Harrison-Hunte most of the players are unproven. Building the DL has been a priority for Mario Cristobal and DL coaches Joe Salave'a and Jason Taylor for 2024.