Will Miami Sign Nation's Best Defensive Line Recruiting Class?

When evaluating which talented defensive line recruits the Miami Hurricanes have already brought in for unofficial visits, plus looking at the official visitors list, there’s much reason for optimism.

The Canes have been involved with so many top defensive linemen in fact, there's reason to believe it can end up being the nation's No. 1 defensive line class.

Here’s a breakdown of the players that the Canes have already lined up for official visits and what they bring to the table. Keep in mind, more defensive line recruits will likely set official visits with Miami like David Stone and T.A. Cunningham, too.

List completed in alphabetical order. Rankings listed as national, position, and state.

Aydin Breland, Defensive Line, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei

247: 6, 2, and 1

ESPN: 44, 5, and 3

On3: 61, 8, and 3

Rivals: 99, 5, and 12

Although his size at 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds would seem to place him only along the interior, that’s not the case. During short yardage situations, as well as when a team goes with a three-man defensive line, Breland’s athleticism has shown to be good enough that he can play a 4i technique as a defensive end.

He’s capable of taking on double teams and winning. With a quick first step, Breland can also be a one-gap interior defensive lineman and rush the passer. No question, Breland should be considered an elite talent.

Kamarion Franklin, Defensive Line, Lake Cormorant (Miss.) High School

247: 30, 6, and 2

ESPN: 26, 7, and 2

On3: 204, 20, and 5

Rivals: 12, 2, and 1

Played defensive end throughout his junior season which showcased his hustle and effort just as much as his size and strength. He’s a long and powerfully built player at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds. Franklin could be a swing player for Miami.

He’s capable of being a defensive end, but also moving to the interior and playing defensive tackle. His length was also impressive and that’s going to help him keep offensive tackles from easily getting their hands on him.

Kendall Jackson, Defensive Line, Gainesville (Fla.) Buchholz

247: Unranked, 32, and 56

ESPN: Unranked across the board

On3: Unranked, 27, and 45

Rivals: Unranked, 48 and 97

If one wants to see how Miami’s coaching staff has done its own research, Jackson would be a great way to prove it. His film showed a consistent playmaker off the edge with natural speed and power. His rankings have not done him justice – as shown above – for what he’s accomplished.

His speed-to-power moves provided the bulk of his sacks and tackles for loss. With long arms and good change of direction, he was able to utilize a combination of skills and moves to keep offensive linemen off guard. Jackson’s high upside as a strong side defensive end and/or defensive tackle – depending on how big he becomes – was clear. He’s in the 6-foot-3 and 250-pound range right now.

Jericho Johnson, Defensive Tackle, Fairfield (Calif.) Armijo

247: 109, 17, and 12

ESPN: 182, 10 and 18

On3: 187, 18 and 13

Rivals: Unranked, unranked and 64

As physical a defensive lineman as one will find; Johnson prefers force over speed. At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, he can move for a big man, however. When Johnson needed to change directions to chase down a running back or quarterback, it was fun to watch him hit the brakes and make a sudden move.

It was still even more fun to watch him when he played the role of a wrecking ball and walked back an offensive lineman into the backfield and made a sack or tackle for loss. Johnson was a physically dominant player as a junior in high school.

Marquise Lightfoot, Defensive End, Chicago (Ill.) Kenwood Academy

247: 128, 8 and 4

ESPN: 133, 19, and 4

On3: 60, 5, and 3

Rivals: 83, 4, and 3

Despite being 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds as a junior, Lightfoot was just as likely to make a play along the interior of the defensive line as he was on the edge. Great sign as he’s a player that’s naturally physical.

When he opened up his long legs and ran down an opposing player, Lightfoot’s speed was also evident. He has the natural athleticism to be an edge rusher. The long arms and legs, track athlete-like frame, and the hustle to produce plays were all evident. He will need to add strength in college, but Lightfoot’s skill set cannot be denied. He has a high ceiling.

Justin Scott, Defensive Line, Chicago (Ill.) St. Ignatius

247: 21, 4 and 1

ESPN: 33, 4 and 1

On3: 8, 2, and 1

Rivals: 8, 1, and 1

All Hurricanes broke down Scott’s talents yesterday, and there were several good reasons why. Most important to note, Scott can play inside or on the edge of either a three-man or four-man line. That’s rare.

His power and athleticism have caused numerous programs to come after him and the Canes have already hosted him for visits three different times. He could be an instant-impact recruit if he signs with Miami.

Dylan Stewart, Edge, Washington (D.C.) Friendship Collegiate Academy

247: 13, 3 and 1

ESPN: 19, 4, and 1

On3: 1, 1, and 1

Rivals: 30, 2, and 2

The fast-twitch edge rusher that college coaches covet, Stewart’s ability to penetrate into the backfield was on display play after play from his junior film. His speed rush was excellent as it showcased his first step and his ability to contort his body and get low to maneuver past an offensive tackle.

From an overall athleticism standpoint, Stewart looked like a video game character on the screen. He was shot out of a cannon, if one will. He also played inside linebacker and played well in space, showcasing his ability to think and react to what an offense does. The 6-foot-5 and 235-pound talent earned the right to be considered among the nation’s best players regardless of position.

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