The Miami Hurricanes football season can't come soon enough as it's just three Saturdays away, but which Hurricane players will be the biggest difference makers in 2024?
A revamped roster in 2024 for Mario Cristobal after a disappointing 2023 campaign where Miami went 7-6, expectations are through the roof for this roster. With an offense projected to finish near the top of the nation in production and a defensive line with immense depth, here are my predictions on who will lead the Canes in each category.
Passing Yards and Touchdowns Leader - Cam Ward
Do I even need to say much at all? Ward is the clear QB1 on this team and there's no debate. There a chance the Hurricanes roll out another quarterback during blowouts, but an injury is the only thing standing in the way of Ward being the statistical leader at this position. He threw for 3,735 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2023, and the pieces are in place for him to go over those marks in 2024.
Rushing Yards and Touchdowns Leader - Damien Martinez
While he'll no longer be getting the work load he once had at Oregon State, there's no doubt Martinez is the best back in this room for the Hurricanes. His leading competition is Mark Fletcher Jr. , who averaged nearly five yards per carry as a true freshman. Regardless, Miami sought out Martinez for a reason and expect for him to be used often.
Receiving Yards Leader - Xavier Restrepo
The team's leading receiver in 2023, Restrepo returns to Miami in 2024 with a chance to rewrite several lines in the Hurricane record books. His ability to be a "safety blanket" and run after the catch should put him in line for another 1,000 yard campaign.
Receiving Touchdowns Leader - Sam Brown
This crown was held by Jacolby George last year, but with a year of tape under their belts I expect ACC teams to focus more in on him. Instead I see this going to Brown, who transfers over from Houston to rejoin his former offensive coordinator in Shannon Dawson . While he only has seven career touchdowns, I think the presence of George and Restrepo will open up the defense for him to reach the end zone.
Tackles Leader - Francisco Mauigoa
Not the flashiest of stats, but Mauigoa led the team in 2023 and returns in 2024 as one of the best linebackers in the nation. Whether he's tackling behind the line of scrimmage or beyond, he led the team over two NFL Draft picks. A big season for Mauigoa and his 2025 NFL Draft stock, he should be the runaway favorite to lead the team here.
Sack Leader - Elijah Alston
If there were betting odds, there's no doubt that Rueben Bain Jr. would be the favorite for this. However with so much talent around him and Bain likely to see double teams in 2024, Alston could very well be that guy to step up. He's coming off a six sack and two forced fumble season in 2023 with Marshall, and now joins one of the best defensive lines in the country. Reports showed the staff was very high on Alston coming in, so I'll take the gamble here.
Interceptions Leader - Mishael Powell
My list continues to feature transfers, but Powell has been an instant impact since arriving for spring camp. He'll finally get his chance to star as a premier safety for a team, as he flashed his capabilities last season with Washington snagging three interceptions and taking one 89 yards to the house. Miami wasn't great at intercepting the ball last season outside of Kamren Kinchens , but I think the experience of Powell should help him snag a few in 2024.
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