Chicago-based edge player becomes Canes’ top 2024 defensive commitment

The Miami Hurricanes beat out Ohio State for a top defensive lineman on Monday, landing a nonbinding commitment from Chicago-based edge player Marquise Lightfoot.

The 6-5, 220-pound Lightfoot is rated the nation’s 67th best Class of 2024 prospect by 247 Sports

He’s rated 71st by On3, 86th by Rivals and 131st by ESPN.

The Kenwood Academy senior-to-be is considered a skilled pass rusher. He finished last season with 122 tackles, 9 sacks, and one forced fumble.

He picked UM over offers from his other finalists -- Illinois, Southern Cal and Ohio State.

Canes defensive line coach Jason Taylor was at the epicenter of his recruitment, and Lightfoot was impressed by UM during a June 23 visit.

“Going into my recruiting process, I was really focusing on three main things: how I’m going to be developed, how much of a priority I am and how I’m going to live my life for the next three-to-four years,” Lightfoot told Canesport.com. “That was the difference with Miami. Miami separated itself.”

UM now has 15 nonbinding 2024 commitments, including four four-star players. Lightfoot joins Alabama-based running back Kevin Riley as Miami’s highest-rated recruits.

Three-star Miami Columbus High prospect Daylen Russell is UM’s only other 2024 defensive line commitment so far.

As a result of the Lightfoot commitment, UM rose from 30th to 17th in 247’s 2024 class rankings.

Here’s more from our piece on the 14 other UM commitments for 2024.