Jayden Wayne, a four-star prospect in the 2023 draft class, announced his commitment to Miami Saturday live at CBS Sports headquarters, according to 247Sports. The Bradenton, Fla. native is the No. 36 player in the class and the No. 5 EDGE rusher.
Wayne chose Miami from a list that included five other finalists: Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Michigan State and Oregon. His commitment is the latest in a strong Miami class being built by first-year coach Mario Cristobal. He is the 13th member of the class, and his commitment has pushed Miami’s 2023 group into the top 10 nationally. It is the second highest rated class in the ACC behind Clemson.
Below is a scouting report from 247Sports national recruiting analyst Chris Singletary comparing the 6-5, 245-pounder to former Michigan quarterback — and current Green Bay Packer — Rashan Gary.
Good frame for adding weight and mass. As he matures and gains more strength in the weight room, he will define his body composition and reach his physical peak. Even then, at 6-foot-4, he was able to reach 270 pounds in college without compromising his athleticism.
Good first step and burst of the ball. It gains ground and causes immediate stress from its penetration. Very good drop level that gives the quarterback some room to hit when rushing the passer or playing the run. Shows good motor and desire to catch, plays with nice lateral movement. Good agility and speed, he is light on his feet and a smooth, effortless player. Breaks away from blocks and does a good job in pursuit. With added strength and improved technique, he has all the tools you want from an elite defensive lineman. You are exposed to how good of an athlete he is in general when you watch him play wide receiver.
Wayne has a unique player that doesn’t just play offense and defense. But skill at the receiver position, where he had 18 catches for 269 yards and 5 touchdowns. On defense, he had 44 tackles and 9 sacks. When he can focus primarily on defense, the sky is the limit for him. In his recruitment, schools like all the power conferences were chasing him to be a part of their program. When he just focuses on playing defense, his ceiling is high. I see all of his skills and traits to eventually have a career in the NFL.
Wayne should significantly strengthen Miami’s front seven. While he won’t be much help in 2022, the pass rush is an area of the Hurricanes’ defense that could use improvement. They finished 54th in the nation in pass breakup rate and 50th in total pressure rate last season. While they were above the national average in both categories, programs that typically compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff are usually elite in the division.
Adding Wayne to the program is a step toward the Hurricanes joining this defensive class.
