4-star DE Marquis Lightfoot commits to vault Miami football for the 2024 class

Commitment from 2024 four-star edge rusher Marquis Lightfoot Monday took Miami’s football class into the top 20. Miami rose to No. 17 from No. 31 earlier in the day in the 247 Sports composite rankings. The Hurricanes’ 2024 class is ranked 20th by On3 and 22nd by Rivals.

Lightfoot’s commitment is critical after a weekend that featured prospects heavily considering the Miami football program elsewhere. Miami received Lightfoot’s commitment over Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio State and USC. All five programs had advantages over Miami.

Lightfoot becomes the top-rated commit in the 2024 Miami class. The 247 Sports composite ranks Lightfoot as the 67th overall prospect, the sixth-ranked edge rusher and the third-ranked player in Illinois in the 2024 class. Lightfoot is Miami’s No. 1 edge rusher and No. 2 defensive lineman in the 2024 class.

Before committing to Miami, Lightfoot was trending at Ohio State. Defensive line coach Jason Taylor and defensive back Myles Mooyoung Lightfoot credited his decision to choose Miami. Mooyoung graduated from Kenwood Academy in Chicago, where Lightfoot is currently studying.

Inside the U’s Gaby Urrutia credited Taylor for earning it “His first high school commitment since becoming a full-time assistant at Miami in a big way.” Three-star defensive lineman Daylen Russell, also committed to the 2024 class, was primarily recruited by Miami’s other DL coach, Joe Salave’a.

Lightfoot had 183 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 24 quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble over the past two years. Lightfoot has the potential to make an immediate impact for Miami as a true freshman in 2024, according to multiple recruiting outlets.

Miami moves into the ACC’s third-best division. Clemson is ranked 11th nationally and Florida State is 16th. The Tigers and Seminoles each have 13 players committed to 2024, the Hurricanes 15. Lightfoot’s commitment will hopefully get more commitments during July.

• Published on 7/3/2023 at 23:01
• Last updated on March 7, 2023 at 11:01 p.m