Miami football TE Elija Lofton received national praise as spring game standout

Will Backus of CBS Sports named Elija Lofton one of is "College football spring game standouts: Florida, LSU quarterbacks among best performers from loaded slate."Lofton has shown his versatility for Miami throughout spring practice.

Although he was signed as a TE, Lofton has played H-Back and running back this spring. Expect Lofton to line up at various positions for Miami when the season begins on August 31 at Florida. Per Christopher Stock of Inside the U, Lofton had seven carries for 34 yards rushing and one reception for four yards.

The competition for Miami at TE will continue into August training camp after no one emerged in the spring game. Including Lofton, the Miami TEs had six receptions for 62 yards on Saturday. Lofton had 176 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns in his last two seasons of high school at Las Vegas Bishop Gorman.

Lofton had 82 receptions for 1,893 yards and 30 TDs in his four seasons with Bishop Gorman. The versatility Lofton provided in high school will continue in college. Miami utilized Lofton at RB this spring in part because of injuries. Miami only had three healthy RBs in spring practice, not including Lofton.

"Miami TE Elija Lofton
Lofton is listed as a tight end on Miami's roster, as well as for purpose of this story, but he has the potential to be so much more. In fact, the freshman's first snap in Miami's spring game came at running back as he entered early with the first-team offense. He looked very comfortable in the role, logging some impressive carries and blocking effectively with his 230-pound frame. Afterwards, Miami quarterback Cam Ward noted that Lofton will play a lot -- in a lot of different roles -- in 2024. Coach Mario Crisotbal even alluded to the fact that Lofton got some work on defense during closed spring practice sessions. If there's one very under-the-radar freshman to keep an eye on entering 2024, it's Lofton. "

The praise from Alonzo Highsmith is poignant. Highsmith signed with Miami as a defensive lineman in 1983 before Howard Schnellenberger switched him to RB. Cristobal stated during spring practice that Lofton would be a good linebacker if he played there. Lofton's versatility is what makes him so impressive.

At 6'3 and 230 pounds, Lofton has an average size for a TE. Lofton would be big for a RB. Cristobal has proven in his two seasons as head coach that freshmen who produce will play. Expect Lofton to receive significant snaps for the Hurricanes as a freshman during the 2024 season.