Five standout players from the Miami Hurricanes football team have earned spots in ESPN’s Top 100 rankings ahead of the 2024 season. The list includes left tackle Jalen Rivers, wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, quarterback Cam Ward, running back Damien Martinez, and defensive lineman Rueben Bain. Each player received recognition from ESPN, highlighting their potential impact this season.
Jalen Rivers – LT (Ranked 97th)
ESPN acknowledged Rivers for his exceptional performance in 2023, where he allowed only 11 pressures and two sacks over 847 snaps. Projected as a first-round NFL draft pick, Rivers boasts a 1.9 percent blown block rate, the second-best among ACC left tackles. Rivers has been a reliable presence on Miami’s offensive line, playing in 32 games with 23 starts. His inclusion in the Top 100 reflects his critical role in protecting the quarterback and anchoring the Hurricanes’ offensive line.
Xavier Restrepo – WR (Ranked 66th)
Restrepo earned the 66th spot on ESPN’s list, praised for his consistency and reliability. In 2023, he recorded at least five receptions in 10 of 13 games, with three games exceeding 11 catches. Restrepo set a Miami single-season record with 85 receptions, becoming the sixth receiver in program history to surpass 1,000 yards in a season, finishing with 1,092 yards and six touchdowns. ESPN dubbed Restrepo as Miami’s “security blanket” in the slot, highlighting his importance to the Hurricanes’ passing attack.
Cam Ward – QB (Ranked 56th)
Newly acquired quarterback Cam Ward comes in at 56th on the list, with ESPN noting his addition as a major factor in the heightened expectations surrounding Miami this season. Ward brings a strong resume from Washington State, where he threw for 6,963 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions while adding 13 rushing scores over two seasons. With the arrival of Ward, Miami’s offense is expected to reach new heights, as he teams up with an elite group of skill players.
Damien Martinez – RB (Ranked 44th)
Martinez, ranked 44th, is considered one of the most significant additions via the transfer portal this year. The former Oregon State running back fills a critical need for Miami as they aim to create a balanced offensive attack. In 2023, Martinez rushed for 1,185 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. His partnership with Ward is expected to form one of the most formidable quarterback-running back duos in the country.
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Rueben Bain – DL (Ranked 100th)
Rounding out Miami’s Top 100 representation is defensive lineman Rueben Bain, who had a breakout season in 2023. Bain’s impact grew after an injury sidelined Akheem Mesidor, allowing Bain to step into a starting role. He recorded 1.5 tackles for loss in the first five games and continued to improve as the season progressed. Bain’s presence on the defensive line is crucial for Miami as they look to build a dominant defense.
These five players are set to play pivotal roles in Miami’s 2024 campaign, and their recognition in ESPN’s Top 100 underscores the growing optimism around the Hurricanes as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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