The Miami Hurricanes football program received a significant boost this weekend with the commitments of four-star safety Amari Wallace and three-star linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin, both from Miami Central. These commitments add to the three Miami Central players already on the 2025 Hurricanes roster, continuing the strong pipeline under head coach Mario Cristobal.
Building the Pipeline
Linebacker Wesley Bissainthe was the first Miami Central alum to join the Hurricanes under Cristobal. Bissainthe, ranked 188th nationally, 18th among linebackers, and 23rd in Florida in the 2022 class, has been a key contributor. Over two seasons, he has played in all 25 Miami games, starting 10, and has accumulated 74 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks. In 2023, Bissainthe recorded 44 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and 2.0 sacks. He is expected to start alongside Francisco Mauigoa and Jaylin Alderman in 2024.
Emerging Stars
Defensive lineman Rueben Bain, a standout from the 2023 class, was initially underrated as the 63rd overall prospect, 11th edge rusher, and 15th player in Florida. Bain exceeded expectations in his true freshman season, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with 44 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and a pass breakup. Bain’s impact was felt immediately, especially during a mid-season stretch where he had 18 tackles, 6.0 TFLs, 5.0 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in consecutive games against Clemson, Virginia, and North Carolina.
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Looking Ahead
Five-star 2024 signee Armondo Blount, ranked 28th nationally and 8th among defensive linemen in Florida, adds further depth to the Miami defensive line. Blount, versatile enough to play both edge rusher and tackle, joins other five-star recruits like defensive tackle Justin Scott and edge rusher Marquisse Lightfoot in a highly touted 2024 class.
Newest Additions
Amari Wallace, ranked 278th nationally, 24th among safeties, and 40th in Florida for the 2025 class, is the third highest-ranked 2025 Miami commit and the top defensive prospect. In 2023, Wallace had 28 tackles, three interceptions, and six pass breakups. Ezekiel Marcelin, ranked 450th nationally, 47th among linebackers, and 61st in Florida, has also committed to Miami. Marcelin’s impressive stats include 188 tackles, 34 TFLs, 19 sacks, two pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery over the past two seasons.
Future Outlook
Marcelin’s three-star ranking belies his on-field production, which could be attributed to his 6’0, 190-pound frame. Once he joins the Miami training program, adding muscle mass will be crucial for his development. With Cristobal at the helm, the Miami Central pipeline to Coral Gables is expected to remain strong, ensuring a steady flow of talent to the Hurricanes.
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