After breakout season with Hurricanes, Elijah Arroyo continues to elevate his draft stock

Over the past few years, the Miami Hurricanes have quietly assembled one of the most exciting football programs in the country, developing numerous talented players across all positions. Among these standout athletes, Elijah Arroyo, a highly talented tight end, has been one of the most promising prospects to emerge in recent seasons. After a breakout season with the Miami Hurricanes football team, Arroyo is quickly making a name for himself and raising eyebrows as a potential NFL draft pick. His impressive performance during the 2024 season has given scouts plenty to talk about, and he continues to elevate his draft stock with every game he plays.

Background: A Star in the Making

Elijah Arroyo’s journey to prominence started long before his breakout season at Miami. A highly touted recruit from Texas, Arroyo’s combination of size, speed, and agility made him one of the top tight ends in the country. As a high school standout at Southwest High School in San Antonio, Arroyo quickly became a sought-after prospect due to his ability to make plays both as a receiver and a blocker. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 245 pounds, his blend of size and athleticism caught the attention of top college programs, and it was clear from the beginning that he was destined for greatness.

After committing to Miami, Arroyo arrived on campus with high expectations, knowing that he was joining a program with a strong tradition of developing NFL talent. The tight end position at Miami has a long and storied history, with players like Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow II, and Greg Olsen leaving lasting legacies. Arroyo entered a competitive position group, but his potential was evident from the start.

Early Years at Miami: Developing and Learning

Arroyo’s first couple of years at Miami were filled with growth and development as he worked to adapt to the college game. He redshirted in his first season, using that time to develop his physical skills and learn the nuances of the tight end position under the guidance of the Hurricanes’ coaching staff. While not immediately thrust into a starting role, Arroyo spent valuable time honing his skills, adjusting to the speed and intensity of college football, and improving both his receiving and blocking abilities.

During his freshman season in 2022, Arroyo began to show glimpses of the talent that would soon make him one of the most exciting tight ends in college football. He caught several key passes and proved to be a reliable option in the passing game, showing that he had the potential to be a game-changing weapon in Miami’s offense.

In 2023, Arroyo took another step forward, earning a larger role in the offense and showcasing his skills in the passing game. He demonstrated his ability to run crisp routes, create separation, and make difficult catches. While still developing as a blocker, Arroyo’s receiving skills were already drawing attention from NFL scouts, who began to see the potential for him to be an early-round draft pick in the future.

2024 Breakout Season: A Star Emerges

While the 2023 season was a solid one for Arroyo, the 2024 campaign is when he truly emerged as one of the top tight end prospects in the country. After an off-season of hard work, dedication, and improvement, Arroyo came into the season ready to take his game to the next level. His performance during the 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular, as he has become one of Miami’s go-to offensive weapons.

In 2024, Arroyo’s stats skyrocketed, and he quickly became one of the top tight ends in college football. He showcased his elite route-running ability, which allowed him to get open consistently against both man and zone coverage. Arroyo’s speed and athleticism are rare for a player at his position, and he displayed his ability to turn short receptions into explosive plays. His impressive catch radius allows him to make difficult grabs, and he’s shown that he can be a red-zone threat, creating mismatches for defenders.

One of the most impressive aspects of Arroyo’s breakout season has been his ability to produce in clutch moments. Whether it’s a key third-down conversion, a touchdown reception in the red zone, or a game-winning grab, Arroyo has consistently stepped up when his team needs him most. His presence in the passing game has made him a vital part of Miami’s offensive attack, and he’s proven to be a reliable target for his quarterbacks.

Not only has Arroyo shone as a receiver, but he’s also made significant improvements as a blocker. Early in his career, some questioned his ability to contribute in the running game and provide support as a traditional in-line tight end. However, during the 2024 season, Arroyo showed noticeable improvement in his blocking technique, particularly as a run blocker. His ability to both catch passes and contribute in the ground game has only enhanced his value as a complete tight end prospect.

With each game, Arroyo continues to improve and make a name for himself on the national stage. His breakout season has not only elevated Miami’s offense but has also increased his visibility as one of the top tight end prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Draft Stock on the Rise: Evaluating the Potential

As the season progresses, it’s becoming clearer that Elijah Arroyo is an elite talent at the tight end position. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a unique prospect, and he continues to climb up draft boards with every impressive performance. Scouts are taking notice of his ability to stretch the field as a pass-catcher, and his all-around game is making him one of the top tight ends in the upcoming draft class.

Some of the qualities that set Arroyo apart include:

• Athleticism: Arroyo is one of the most physically gifted tight ends in the 2025 draft class. His speed allows him to outrun defenders in the open field, and his agility makes him tough to cover in short-yardage situations. His ability to create separation from defenders is one of his most impressive traits, and it’s one that makes him a mismatch for most linebackers and safeties.
• Blocking Ability: While Arroyo was initially viewed as a pass-catching tight end, his blocking ability has steadily improved, making him a more complete player. His physicality and willingness to engage in the trenches allow him to contribute as both a blocker and a pass catcher, making him a versatile option in any offense.
• Route Running: Arroyo’s ability to run clean, crisp routes makes him a reliable option in the passing game. Whether it’s running short slants, crossing routes, or deep fades, Arroyo is capable of running a variety of routes and getting open against all types of defensive coverages.
• Red Zone Presence: Arroyo’s size and physicality make him a natural red-zone threat. His ability to create mismatches with defenders, especially in jump-ball situations, makes him a valuable target for any quarterback in critical scoring situations.
• Clutch Performances: Over the course of the season, Arroyo has consistently stepped up in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s a key third down or a game-winning touchdown, Arroyo has demonstrated that he can handle the spotlight and deliver when the game is on the line.

These qualities, combined with his consistent performance throughout the season, make him an attractive option for NFL teams looking for a dynamic and versatile tight end.

NFL Comparison: A Rising Star

As Arroyo continues to build his draft stock, many have begun to compare him to some of the top tight ends currently in the NFL. Some scouts have even drawn comparisons between Arroyo and Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, due to their similar size, athleticism, and ability to dominate in the passing game. While Arroyo is still developing and has room for improvement, his potential as a dynamic pass-catching tight end with the ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game makes him an intriguing prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Another comparison that has surfaced is to George Kittle, the standout tight end for the San Francisco 49ers. Kittle is known for his explosive athleticism and blocking ability, and Arroyo has demonstrated similar characteristics during his breakout season at Miami. Both players combine size and speed to create mismatches on the field, and Arroyo’s ability to contribute both as a receiver and a blocker will make him a highly coveted prospect when the draft rolls around.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, it’s clear that Elijah Arroyo is a name to watch. After his breakout season with the Miami Hurricanes, Arroyo has established himself as one of the premier tight end prospects in the country, and his draft stock continues to rise. Whether he’s making catches in the open field or contributing as a blocker, Arroyo has proven that he can do it all, and his future in the NFL looks incredibly promising.

For Miami fans, Arroyo’s success represents the program’s continued ability to develop top-tier talent, and his rise to prominence serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication he has put into his craft. As Arroyo continues to elevate his game, the sky’s the limit for this talented tight end, and it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a household name in the NFL.