Miami Hurricanes Head Coach Mario Cristobal has always been recognized as a relentless recruiter. His ability to build authentic relationships throughout the recruiting process with parents and coaches alike is why he lands prospects that are wanted by every major program in the nation.

In four recruiting classes since being named head coach late in the 2022 cycle, Cristobal has signed two inside thevtop-10. One of those was Miami's sixth-ranked class for 2024 when the Hurricanes garnered signatures from six top-100 players from the high school ranks and one top-five player from junior college, according to 247.

Ironically enough, one of Miami's most impactful freshmen in 2024 was not mentioned inside the top 100 by 247, but Pro Football Focus still graded Elija Lofton as the highest true freshman tight end in 2024 at 81.5.

Hailing from perennial powerhouse Bishop Gorman Sr. High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, which has become somewhat of a pipeline for Miami, the 6-foot-2-inch, 230 plus lb. Swiss army knife is what many scouts consider a "throwback." Lofton committed to Miami and was rated the tenth-best player at his position in the country, number one in Nevada, and 181st overall.

Showcasing the size, skill, athleticism, and physicality to play multiple positions effectively, Offensive Coordinator Shannon Dawson lined up the versatile threat all over the field throughout his freshman season.

Lofton is equipped with broad shoulders and a thick lower half, allowing him to line up at fullback and drag defenders with him in short yardage situations, or take on edge rushers as an in-line blocker, as he did in several instances last season.

Drawing comparisons to former Hurricanes tight end Brevin Jordan, Lofton is nimble enough to be flexed out wide or line up in the slot and run precise routes.

Although he only caught nine passes for 150 yards and a touchdown, Lofton totaled the most receiving yards while being tied for the second most receptions and touchdown grabs when compared to the nine tight ends ranked ahead of him in the 2024 cycle.

He also tallied a rushing score versus Duke from the fullback position and returned a kickoff for 24 yards in the same game.

Production from the tight end position is crucial to the success of Shannon Dawson's system; the side-by-side comparison between Miami's offense in 2023 and 2024 proves it.

In 2023 Miami, tight ends combined for a paltry 18 catches, but that number increased by 39 and led to the nation's most explosive offense in 2024.

The now-departed Elijah Arroyo, the Hurricanes' main tight end target, is headed to the NFL after posting 590 yards on 35 catches; Lofton is expected to fill that role.

As one of Carson Beck's main targets, Lofton is primed for a breakout year. He has the perfect opportunity to prove his PFF grade as the highest graded true freshman tight end from a season ago and continue the legacy of dominant tight end play at TEU.