Miami football signee Marquise Lightfoot praised after All-American Bowl performance
Marquise Lightfoot became the second Miami edge rusher in the 2024 class to shine this week. After Booker Pickett Jr. dominated at the Under Armour All-American Game on Wednesday, Lightfoot was praised for his performance in the All-American Bowl by Inside the U, On3 and Rivals.com.
Miami signed arguably the best defensive line class in 2024. In addition to Lightfoot and Pickett, Miami also has blue chip DL in four-star edge rusher Elias Rudolph and five-star defensive linemen Armondo Blount and Justin Scott. Lightfoot and Scott played for the West team in the All-American Bowl on Saturday.
Lightfoot and Pickett Jr. had two sacks each in their respective All-Star games this week. Charles Power of On3 said Lightfoot "had the most consistent flashes (among pass rushers)" and that "Lightfoot was borderline unblockable during Saturday’s game."
Miami will have an exceptionally deep group of edge rushers next season. Lightfoot, Pickett and Rudolph will join Miami returnees Rueben Bain, Nyjalik Kelly, Akheem Mesidor and Jayden Wayne. The praise for Lightfoot continued from Rivals.Com National Recruiting Analyst Greg Smith.
📈Stock Risers📈@GregSmithRivals spotlights players who improved their stock with big performances Saturday in the All-American Bowl👀
— Rivals (@Rivals) January 6, 2024
Full Story👇https://t.co/vrztjW0TU3 pic.twitter.com/RUl8h4AHVC
"Lightfoot was a nightmare for the East offensive tackles all game long. The Miami signee was constantly in the backfield. That's because of his quick first step and natural bend during pass rush situations. He’s already a top 100 player but needs to be discussed to continue climbing the rankings.
- Greg Smith • Rivals Recruiting Analyst
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With Lightfoot at 6'4 and 212 pounds and Pickett Jr. 6'3 and 205, they will have to continue developing physically and add mass to their frames. Lightfoot was joined in San Antonio by 2024 Miami signees offensive lineman Deryc Plazz, wide receiver Ny Carr, safety Zaquan Patterson and Scott.
Next. How Miami signees performed at UA All-American Game. How Miami signees performed at UA All-American Game. dark
Miami received a glimpse of the future with strong production in the two all-stars games this week that were preceded by excellent weeks of practice. The fourth-ranked 2024 Miami class has lived up to their ranking during their first competition against other elite players in Orlando and San Antonio.