Miami football signee Elijah Lofton named top 10 freshman quickly meeting the hype

Tight end Elija Lofton was the thir- highest ranked offensive signee in the 2024 Miami football class. Lofton could prove to be the most valuable freshman for Miami in 2024. Lofton provides Miami with a multi-talented and versatile performer who can play multiple positions using many skills.

Lofton was the 273rd prospect, 16th tight end and top player in Nevada out of Las Vegas Bishop Gorman. Former Miami TE Brevin Jordan is also a Bishop Gorman alum. Lofton finished his high school career with 82 receptions for 1,893 yards and 30 touchdowns with 178 rushing yards and another 16 scores.

Wide receivers Joshisa Trader and Ny Carr are the only 2024 Miami offensive signees ranked ahead of Lofton. The Miami coaching staff praised Lofton for his versatility throughout the spring. Lofton competed for first-team snaps this spring with returnees Elijah Arroyo, Jackson Carver, Cam McCormick and Riley Williams.

Expect Lofton to challenge for first-team snaps in 2024 lined up in multiple formations. Miami did not show during the spring game the full extent of how Lofton will be utilized during the season. First-team TE is open for competition during training camp. Andrew Ivins of CBS Sports summarized Lofton's spring.

"Miami TE Elija Lofton
Freshman Elija Lofton makes for a fun storyline in player versatility and adaptability that will be something for college football diehards to track. Recruited as a tight end, Lofton got some reps at running back during spring practices and turned heads.

Lofton doesn't have prototypical measurables for the tight end position, but one of the main reasons why he finished as the nation's No. 10-ranked tight end for us is because of what he was able to do as a ball carrier in high school. As a senior, Lofton was frequently featured as a short-yardage running back and found the end zone nine times on the ground.

It wouldn't be shocking to see Lofton emerge as a Swiss Army Knife for the Hurricanes in an H-back role with his soft hands, contact balance and body control. Kudos to Miami and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson for possibly unlocking Lofton's best self so early. "

- Andrew Ivins, CBS Sports

Lofton is listed at 6'3 and 230 pounds. Carver and Williams are the tallest Miami scholarship TEs at 6'6. McCormick is the heaviest Miami TE at 260 pounds. None of the other Miami TEs are as versatile as Lofton. Miami needs more production from its TEs in 2024. The Hurricanes TEs had 18 receptions for 154 yards and one TD in 2023.

Lofton was not the only Miami freshman "meeting the hype." Trader received significant praise throughout the spring. Mario Cristobal has trusted freshmen during his first two seasons in Coral Gables. Expect the 2024 Miami freshmen to make an impact.