Five true freshman who could have an instant impact for the Miami Hurricanes
Edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and right tackle Francis Mauigoa were both freshman All-Americans in 2023, while running back Mark Fletcher Jr. also saw significant playing time in his first UM season. Cornerback OJ Frederique Jr. also earned freshman All-America honors in 2024, while running back Jordan Lyle and tight end Elija Lofton made their presence known.
So which first-year Hurricanes players are primed to make an instant impact this season? Here are five candidates.
Wide receiver Malachi Toney: The former Plantation American Heritage star, who reclassified to get to college a year early, turned heads during spring practices and seems all but certain to be in the wide receiver rotation. He's shifty, speedy and showcased great hands. He is best fit for the slot, a position where he will compete with Cincinnati transfer Tony Johnson for playing time, but can play on the outside as well. Considering Miami has to replace all of its top five pass catchers from last season (receivers Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George, Isaiah Horton and Sam Brown plus tight end Elijah Arroyo), they will gladly take production from wherever they can get it.
Wide receiver Josh Moore: The West Broward alumnus is another local product who has an inside track to produce early in his Hurricanes tenure. At 6-4, he is Miami's tallest receiver and has shown a knack in practice for being able to go up and get a ball at its highest point. Moore, who had over 1,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns with West Broward as a high school senior last season, likely won't begin the season in the starting lineup but should factor heavily into the rotation and have the chance to create opportunities for expanded playing time as the season progresses.
Defensive tackle Donta Simpson Jr.: The Hurricanes have three players who seem cemented into their rotation for defensive tackle in sophomore Justin Scott, redshirt junior Ahmad Moten Jr. and graduate transfer David Blay. Simpson, a former prep standout at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, has been competing since spring ball to show he can be part of that rotation. If Simpson proves he can handle the role and get on the field, even on a limited basis, it will allow Miami to keep Rueben Bain, Akeem Mesidor and Armondo Blount on the edge full time.
Edge rusher Hayden Lowe: Speaking of the edge, Lowe certainly looks like he can jump into playing time right away. He has the size at 6-5 and 255 pounds and teammates have raved about him since he stepped on campus. It's merely a matter of opportunity. Bain, Mesidor and Blount are definitely ahead of him on the depth chart. Malik Bryant and Marquise Lightfoot are also options for UM.
Running back Girard Pringle Jr.: It seemed like almost a foregone conclusion after spring ended that Pringle would get early playing time as Miami's projected No. 3 running back behind Fletcher and Lyle. But then the Hurricanes added CharMar Brown in the transfer portal, adding yet another talented player with high level experience to the the running back room. Pringle still could see the field for spot reps and take advantage. Remember that Lyle had to compete with Ajay Allen for playing time at points last year.
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