JUST IN: Redshirt Deadline Approaches As Miami Hurricanes Face Tough Calls on Freshmen Talent
At the midway point of the 2024 season, several Miami Hurricanes freshmen have yet to solidify their redshirt status. This presents the coaching staff with critical decisions about whether to involve these young players more or hold off for future development.
In my recent breakdown of Miami’s offensive and defensive performances, I evaluated participation reports and stats while thinking about ways to boost production at key positions. Naturally, this led to considering which freshmen could make an impact on the field.
The question is whether playing these players now, when they’ve yet to fully prove themselves, is worth the risk—especially with Miami still undefeated and firmly in the College Football Playoff race. This dynamic complicates the decision-making process. Each potential redshirt choice must be evaluated in the broader context of the team’s goals and immediate needs. Let’s break down some of the key factors at play in these decisions.
No Redshirt; Already played 5+ games
- RB Jordan Lyle
- TE Elija Lofton
- DT Justin Scott
- LB Cameron “Bobby” Pruitt
- S Zaquan Patterson
- DB Dylan Day
- CB OJ Frederique
These freshmen aren’t redshirting because they’re already contributing significantly—starting or playing regularly on one of the three units: offense, defense, or special teams. In case you’re curious, I pulled these game participation numbers directly from the official NCAA report, so the data is as accurate as it gets.
With these players seeing serious action early on, it’s clear the coaching staff has confidence in them. Despite the typical redshirt considerations, Miami’s current position, unbeaten and pushing hard for a College Football Playoff spot, means these players are crucial to the team’s performance this season.
Decision time is now; played 4 games
The players mentioned earlier have already passed the redshirt threshold, but this next group is at a critical juncture. Each has played in four games, meaning their next appearance will burn their redshirt eligibility for the season. If they do play again, Miami will likely maximize their involvement moving forward.
One player standing out in this situation is wide receiver Joshisa “Jojo” Trader. While it might seem surprising with Miami leading the nation in passing yards, touchdowns, and scoring, the wide receiver unit hasn’t fully met expectations. Though Xavier Restrepo, Isaiah Horton, and tight end Elijah Arroyo have been reliable, players like Sam Brown and Jacolby George have struggled with consistency. That’s where Trader, the highly rated recruit from Chaminade-Madonna, comes in. As Miami looks to boost its aerial attack, Trader has become a key figure in the quest for improvement.
Now that Joshisa “Jojo” Trader has hit the four-game mark, it’s decision time for Miami. If they decide to burn his redshirt, I believe they should fully commit to giving him a healthy share of snaps. Simply using him sparingly, like we’ve seen with Chris Johnson Jr., wouldn’t justify the redshirt loss. I’d rather see Trader take over snaps from Sam Brown and Jacolby George, who have been inconsistent. Trader needs game reps to continue his development, and while he may not have had the immediate impact his high school teammate Jeremiah Smith has had (who really should be a Cane, but that’s a whole other conversation), he has the potential to become a solid weapon in the latter part of the season.
As for linebacker Adarius Hayes, while he’s been an intriguing presence, mostly contributing on special teams, Miami’s linebacker depth makes it unnecessary to play him more right now. Hayes, standing at 6’4″ and 235 pounds, has a bright future, but with Miami comfortably going five deep at the position, redshirting him would make sense. His special teams role can be filled by other scholarship players.
Finally, there’s defensive end Cole McConathy II, an underrated recruit and flip from Louisville. McConathy has impressed in his limited opportunities, but he’s at the four-game threshold as well. With Rueben Bain Jr. and Elijah Alston returning from injuries, McConathy can redshirt without any risk. However, if there are further injuries at defensive end, McConathy is the most game-ready of the freshmen, making him the logical next man up.
Still with wiggle room; played 3 games
Wide receiver Chance Robinson, a big-bodied X receiver, has appeared in 3 games this season. With Isaiah Horton emerging as a top option, the smartest path for Robinson seems to be redshirting. He shows good potential, but similar to Joshisa Trader, burning his redshirt for just a few snaps doesn’t make sense, especially with Miami’s top pass catchers clearly establishing themselves. Robinson still has one more game he can play and retain his redshirt status, which should be the plan moving forward.
Likely or Definitely Redshirting; played 2 or fewer games
- QB Judd Anderson: Played in 1 game and will redshirt for the remainder of the season.
- RB Chris Wheatley-Humphrey: Also saw action in 1 game and will redshirt.
- WR Ny Carr: Has played in 2 games and is expected to redshirt.
- OL Nino Francavilla: Miami’s offensive line is strong, and Francavilla has a bright future. He’s played in 2 games and will likely redshirt.
- OL Antonio Tripp: Played in 1 game and will redshirt.
- OL Deryc Plazz: Appeared in 1 game and is on track to redshirt.
- OL Juan Minaya: Hasn’t seen the field yet, making redshirting a certainty.
- EDGE/LB Booker Pickett Jr.: Played in 2 games and could potentially see special teams duty, but he is expected to redshirt.
DL Armondo Blount is an interesting case. Although he has played in 2 games and possesses significant talent, Miami’s defensive line depth means he can afford to redshirt this year. If this were the previous couple of seasons, he might have seen more playing time as a developmental investment. With the current depth and success of the unit, Miami can bring Blount along at a measured pace. It’s also worth considering whether he fits best as an edge rusher or a tackle; further development in both physique and technique should clarify his ideal position.
DT Artavius Jones has also shown potential, having appeared in 1 game, but he will benefit from a redshirt year to maximize his growth.
DL Daylen Russell hasn’t played yet, so a redshirt is a given.
EDGE Elias Rudolph played in 1 game and is also set to redshirt.
EDGE Marquise Lightfoot has appeared in 2 games and, like Nino Francavilla, has a bright future. A redshirt year will help him develop further.
In the secondary, DB Ryan Mack has played in 1 game and will redshirt, while DB Isaiah Thomas hasn’t seen the field yet, ensuring his redshirt status.
Finally, K Abram Murray has played in 2 games and should redshirt. He’s viewed as Miami’s kicker of the future, poised to take over after the Borregales kicking dynasty.
I agree with your thoughts on Trader—he should continue to play throughout the season, as he has the potential to make an impact. The others, however, would be better served redshirting, allowing for their development to contribute to Miami’s elite status in the future.