Two 2024 Miami football signees named top 10 most important at their position

Longtime College Football recruiting analyst Mike Farrell named five-star defensive tackle Justin Scott and four-star wide receiver Joshisa Trader in the top 10 most important signees at their position in the 2024 class. Scott is the top-ranked signee in the 2024 Miami football class and Trader is the top offensive prospect.

Scott is the 11th-ranked overall prospect, third DL and top player in Illinois from Chicago St. Ignatius in the 2024 Class in the 247Sports composite rankings. Mario Cristobal was able to sign the top two players in Illinois in the 2024 class. Miami also signed five-star edge rusher Marquise Lightfoot.

Signing Trader was critical for Miami. The Hurricanes have lost the top WRs from South Florida to other programs far too often. Trader is the 70th overall prospect, 14th WR and 11th player in Florida in the 2024 class. Trader is the second-ranked WR in the 2024 class from South Florida.

Lightfoot and Scott are part of the consensus best 2024 DL class. Miami also signed five-star DL Armondo Blount and four-star edge rushers Booker Pickett Jr. and Elias Rudolph in the 2024 class. Miami is projected to have a dominant DL over the next three seasons. Scott should be in the rotation in 2024.

"4. Justin Scott to Miami
— Pulling him from the Midwest and away from Ohio State was a huge muscle flex for Mario Cristobal."

- National Recruiting Analyst Mike Farrell

Miami is deep at edge rusher but a bit more unproven at defensive tackle. Returnee Jared Harrison-Hunte and North Carolina State C.J. Clark are the projected starting DTs for Miami in 2024. Middle Tennessee State transfer DT Marley Cook and Scott are likely next on the depth chart.

"8. Joshisa Trader to Miami
— A massive get from South Florida at a school the ‘Canes must have success at. They are in much better shape at Chaminade-Madonna, with Kevin Beard working his magic."

- National Recruiting Analyst Mike Farrell

Trader will have a chance to compete this spring to be the third starting WR for Miami. The transfer of starting WR Colbie Young to Georgia leaves the third starting WR for Miami open entering spring practice. Miami returns 2023 leading receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George.

Safety Zaquan Patterson is another 2024 Miami signee to watch. Freshmen have played prominent roles under Cristobal during his first two seasons as head coach with Miami. Rueben Bain earned 2023 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Expect freshmen to contribute for Miami during the 2024 season.