Miami football off-field recruiting staff recognized nationally
The off-field Miami football recruiting staff contributed significantly to the Hurricanes' signing of the fourth-best freshmen class nationally in 2024. Steve Wiltfong, the Director of Recruiting for 247Sports, named the Miami staff in his article "The off-field recruiting aces of the 2024 recruiting cycle."
Mario Cristobal is a relentless recruiter and expects his staff to be the same. Miami signed a top-10 class for the second consecutive year. The 2023 Miami class finished seventh nationally. Miami has significantly upgraded its resources in recruiting under Cristobal. The Miami staff consists of some former on-field coaches.
Miami made the defensive line a point of emphasis in the 2024 class. The Hurricanes signed three five-star DL and three four-stars. Miami also signed an elite wide receiver group with three blue-chip prospects. Expect one of Ny Carr, Chance Robinson and Joshisa Trader to emerge at WR and earn snaps in 2024.
Cristobal and his coaching staff have shown a willingness to play freshmen. Edge rusher Rueben Bain earned ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. Several Miami freshmen will compete for significant snaps in 2024. Wiltfong summarized the Miami recruiting staff.
"Miami signed 247Sports No. 4 ranked recruiting class and while Mario Cristobal goes as hard as any head coach in the country on the trail, he is first to salute his off-field recruiting department for their significant contributions.
- Steve Wiltfong, 247Sports
Miami’s Executive Director Dennis Smith is as much a face as any off-field recruiting department in the county, impacting all facets of the operation including talent acquisition. He was pivotal in the Hurricanes landing class jewels in edge rusher Marquise Lightfoot, defensive lineman Armondo Blount, receivers Joshisa Trader and Ny Carr and defensive lineman Artavius Jones.
Miami’s Director of Player Personnel on Defense Steven Schrum did “an unbelievable job” with the top player in the class, five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott. The Chicago product flipped from Ohio State.
“He’s the person that kept Justin Scott alive,” a source said.
Todd Stroud, Stephen Field and Mike Rumph are key when prospects get on campus and Tia Joseph and Mackenzie Rizzi are tremendous with parents, and they also do the heavy lifting when putting together the visits."
Smith is the most active member of the Miami football staff on social media. Before Miami gains a commitment, Smith sends out a GIF or meme forecasting impending news. Lightfoot could be impactful as a situation pass rusher during his freshman season. Jones provides Miami with needed size at defensive tackle.
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Blount provides versatility on the DL, similar to Bain. Scott could have the best chance to earn snaps as a freshman with four-star safety Zaquan Patterson. Field, Rumph and Stroud are all former position coaches for Miami under Manny Diaz and Mark Richt. Schrum is a Florida alum who worked for the Baltimore Ravens and multiple Power Five programs.