The Miami Hurricanes needed to have a strong defensive tackle recruiting class, and they did just that. The following three recruits have a tremendous chance to be Canes playmakers, and each has their own journey 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 do 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 monster 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 guy.
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 receiving 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 progress at Miami might take various avenues.
Jones, like the vast majority of defensive lineman entering college football, will likely require time to perfect technique, but he might 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 gift. Look out in 2024 if he does so rapidly.
Despite graduating from 1A Blountstown (Fla.) High School, Jones has a shot to play in the NFL in the long run. It’s a terrific narrative, and Miami will benefit as Jones continues to refine his skill.
Whatever role Jones plays next season, Miami defensive line coaches Joe Salave’a and Jason Taylor will have a big-time talent to deal with. The next player might 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 body as a defensive tackle or defensive end if the Canes shift 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 conventional 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 strong 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 large and athletic to not receive playing time. How much is up to him as he refines his method, similar to Jones.
It would be intriguing to observe how Salave’a and Taylor decide whether to employ Scott in a certain position or in numerous positions. The third and last 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, contracts with UM. As a junior, he proceeded to fill out his frame, finally reaching 275 pounds inside 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 swiftly eliminated. Russell closes the gap and attacks the ball carrier, but only after properly breaking down into a tackle posture and bringing the running back to the ground.
All of his football knowledge will follow him as he studies defensive tackle, but he might also aid the Canes at strong-side defensive end, even if only in specific scenarios 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 supporters can anticipate Russell to be an excellent defensive lineman regardless of where he lines up. Russell is a talented defensive prospect who has the potential to be a crucial cog for the Canes.
Miami’s 2024 defensive tackle recruiting class as a whole is a huge benefit 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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