The Miami Hurricanes needed to have a strong defensive tackle recruiting class, and they did just that. The following three recruits have a great chance to be Canes playmakers, and each has their own path to The U. There’s a reason defensive tackle is Miami’s most pressing need.
Joshua Horton, a talented defensive tackle from Fairburn (Ga.), is among Miami’s 2023 recruiting class. However, there is only one player. Miami’s goal is to win national championships.
To accomplish this, a large number of interior defensive linemen are required. As a result, Miami went all-in and did a good job of balancing the defensive tackle depth chart with the 2024 class.
Artavius Jones hails from the Sunshine State. After playing both defense and offense during his prep career, the 6-foot-3, 310-pound wrecking ball has a high ceiling.
Jones has played tight end despite his small stature because he is such a natural athlete that he runs like a 250-pound player.
Jones’ ability to make decisive lateral cuts demonstrates his talent. Before his high school games, he also warms up with the wide receivers, running routes and catching passes. Yes, Jones, at 310 pounds, runs routes with players who weigh hundreds of pounds less than him and catches passes just like them. His development at Miami could take various paths.
Jones, like the vast majority of defensive linemen entering college football, will likely need time to refine technique, but he could be a freshman who sees action in 2024. Even if only in spots, his explosiveness is difficult to ignore on the football field. Jones does, however, need to improve his technique in order to fully utilize his talent. Look out in 2024 if he does so quickly.
Despite graduating from 1A Blountstown (Fla.) High School, Jones has a chance to play in the NFL in the long run. It’s a great story, and Miami will benefit as Jones continues to hone his craft.
Whatever role Jones plays next season, Miami defensive line coaches Joe Salave’a and Jason Taylor will have a big-time talent to work with. The next player could benefit Miami in a variety of ways.
Justin Scott’s athleticism enables him to play basketball and be a quality player in a talented city like Chicago. He’s talented enough as a defensive lineman to use his 6-foot-4, 310-pound frame as a defensive tackle or defensive end if the Canes go to a three-man front. That’s a unique set of abilities, and there’s more.
Scott’s big hands complement his athleticism, allowing him to be a traditional power player who hits an offensive lineman right away and wins the rep. If he decides to bull rush, the offensive lineman in front of him must be extremely strong and anchor down. Scott, a product of Chicago (Ill.) St. Ignatius, may be the most powerful defensive tackle in the 2024 recruiting class.
Scott will likely need more time to become a full-time starter for the Canes, but he will see action next fall. Scott is far too big and athletic to not see playing time. How much is up to him as he refines his technique, similar to Jones.
It will be interesting to see how Salave’a and Taylor decide whether to use Scott in a specific position or in multiple positions. The third and final defensive tackle to sign with the Canes has a different frame and high school experience.
Daylen Russell, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound former Miami (Fla.) Columbus edge defender, signs with UM. As a junior, he began to fill out his frame, eventually reaching 275 pounds within the last year. His skill set should benefit both Russell and Miami in the future.
To begin with, it’s difficult to find a smarter football player than Russell. Ball fakes, bootlegs, play-action, and other types of distractions are usually quickly eliminated. Russell closes the gap and attacks the ball carrier, but only after properly breaking down into a tackling position and bringing the running back to the ground.
All of his football knowledge will follow him as he learns defensive tackle, but he could also help the Canes at strong-side defensive end, even if only in special situations like goal line or short yardage. Russell’s football IQ is capable of accomplishing this, as is his quickness and power to maintain the strong-side edge.
Long term, Canes fans can expect Russell to be an effective defensive lineman regardless of where he lines up. Russell is a talented defensive prospect who has the potential to be a key cog for the Canes.
Miami’s 2024 defensive tackle recruiting class as a whole is a huge help to the program. These three young men will help the Hurricanes have the interior defensive line playmakers they need to compete at the highest level of college football.
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