National Signing Day: Miami Hurricanes Gain Juan Minaya's Signature

Canes sign top New Jersey offensive lineman Juan Minaya

Author:
Brian Smith
Publish date:
Dec 20, 2023 12:46 PM EST

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When Mario Cristobal took over in Coral Gables, he made it clear that the Miami Hurricanes would be a line-of-scrimmage program. The way the Canes are recruiting in the trenches it's hard to argue that Miami is not on the right path. Miami's latest signee is another big man along the offensive line.

Juan Minaya

Size: 6-foot-7, 3

Position: Offensive Line

High School: Paramus (N.J.) Catholic

Recruitment: Minaya went with the Canes over a host of programs including schools like Penn State, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, Kentucky, Boston College, Maryland, West Virginia, and Syracuse that recruit New Jersey hard. Minaya selected the Canes on April 18, 2023.

Strengths: Power player but one incorporating quick feet to gain an advantage. He's adept at using his lower-body power to overwhelm defenders, but again, it's the feet that could allow Minaya to play either guard or tackle for Miami.

Area to Improve: Minaya must continue redefining his body and gaining good muscle mass. After a year in the UM weight program, he's going to be a player who can compete for playing time.

From the 2024 Miami Commitments and Evaluations page, here’s what AllHurricanes wrote about :

Playing for one of the most prominent programs in New Jersey, Minaya brings size and power to the University of Miami. He played left tackle for Catholic this past season and was a road grader within the run game. He gains leverage during an outside zone with quick feet or moves toward the second level and seals off a linebacker after initially working with another offensive lineman to double-team a defensive tackle.

Miami's ability to continue to bring in top-notch offensive line recruits is going to pay dividends for years to come, and Minaya is a prime example of that.