Two Miami players On3 2024 Midseason True Freshman All-Americans

Cornerback O.J. Frederique and tight end Elija Lofton were named to the On3 2024 Midseason True Freshman All-American Team on Monday. Frederique and Lofton have played in all six games with one start. Frederique has added critical depth for Miami and Lofton gives the Hurricanes versatility.

Frederique has played the second most snaps among Power Conference freshmen cornerbacks this season per On3. Per Pro Football Focus via On3, Frederique has allowed 61 yards and zero touchdowns on nine targets this season. Frederique has 11 tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass defended this season.

Frederique has eclipsed his recruiting ranking immediately. The 247Sports recruiting profile for Frederique ranked him as the 779th prospect, 67th CB and 108th player in Florida in the 2024 class. Per David Lake of Inside the U, Frederique is the 19th highest-graded Miami player in 2024 by Pro Football Focus.

Lofton is seventh on Miami with seven receptions and sixth with 133 and he has one touchdown. Four of Lofton's receptions have gone for first downs. Lofton has four catches for 15 or more yards and two of 25 plus. Lofton has become a key blocker for Miami and could potentially receive goal-line carries after practicing there in the spring.

Lofton has a reception in every game this season except Virginia Tech. Miami immediately incorporated Lofton as part of the offense. Lofton had two receptions in each of the first three games in 2024 versus Florida, Florida A&M and Ball State as part of a deep Miami TE rotation.

The future is bright for Frederique and Lofton. Frederique is already a part of the Miami CB rotation and projects as a full-time starter in 2025. With starting TE Elijah Arroyo potentially moving on to the NFL after the 2024 season, Lofton and Riley Williams project to get most of the snaps and targets at the position for Miami in 2025.