Miami Signs Chicago Pass Rusher Marquise Lightfoot

Marquise Lightfoot is joining the Miami Hurricanes football program

Author:
Brian Smith
Publish date:
Dec 20, 2023 8:52 AM EST

In this story:

From 2022 through the 2023 regular season, the Miami Hurricanes are a much better team along the defensive trenches. A major reason why would be freshman defensive lineman Rueben Bain, Jr. and his pass-rushing prowess. The Canes are bringing in a player from the Windy City that it hopes can create sacks much like Bain's 7.5 quarterback takedowns.

Marquise Lightfoot

Size: 6-feet-5, 230 pounds

Position: Defensive End

High School: Chicago (Ill.) Kenwood Academy

Recruitment: A national top-100 recruit by On3, 247, and Rivals, Lightfoot looked hard to Ohio State prior to committing to Miami.

Strengths: Lightfoot's speed stands out. He bends the edge while dipping his shoulder as he turns the corner towards the quarterback quite well. Lightfoot plays all-out, too. He doesn't care if he has to run across the field to make a play, he'll do it. Also possesses the long arms and lanky frame one expects to see as a pass rusher.

Area to Improve: Needs to add more muscle mass to take on offensive tackles when defending the run.

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

Natural edge rusher who can dip his shoulder, bend, keep good speed, and come around the corner to knock down the opposing quarterback. Lightfoot has the speed to chase down plays from the backside as well. A quick first step has helped to make his pursuit produce big results. Already starting to add good weight to his upper body. That's the next step, getting stronger to consistently take on offensive tackles in the run game.

The more players that Miami brings into the program like Lightfoot the better. He's a gifted football player at a premium position.