Homegrown Talent: Seven Mario Cristobal high school signees who will be veteran leaders in 2025

When Mario Cristobal took over as head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, he brought with him not only a wealth of experience from coaching at some of the top programs in the nation but also a deep understanding of the importance of homegrown talent. Cristobal, a Miami native and a former player for the Hurricanes, has always prioritized recruiting and developing players from the South Florida area. This philosophy has helped him build a strong foundation for the future of the Hurricanes program, particularly with high school players who will have the opportunity to mature into veteran leaders over the coming seasons.

In this article, we will take a closer look at seven high school signees from Mario Cristobal’s tenure at Miami who are poised to become key leaders for the Hurricanes by 2025. These players, many of whom are local recruits, have the potential to develop into pillars of the Miami program, providing the team with both talent and leadership in the seasons to come.

1. Jaden Rashada – Quarterback

The quarterback position is always one of the most critical in college football, and Jaden Rashada, a former four-star recruit from Pittsburgh, stands as a player who could shape the future of the Miami Hurricanes offense. Rashada initially committed to Florida before flipping to Miami in 2023, making him one of Cristobal’s most important recruits in terms of setting the tone for Miami’s future.

Rashada comes with high expectations, not just because of his elite arm talent and football IQ but also because of the leadership he brings to the table. As a dual-threat quarterback, Rashada’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs will make him a dangerous asset for Miami’s offense. By 2025, he will have had the chance to adjust to college football, growing into a veteran leader who can take control of games. His development over the next few years will be pivotal to Cristobal’s vision for Miami’s offense.

Cristobal has always valued leadership at the quarterback position, and Rashada’s maturity and ability to command the huddle will be crucial as Miami looks to contend in the ACC and beyond. With a deep talent pool of wide receivers, Rashada’s growth into a confident and capable leader by 2025 will set the tone for the entire offense.

2. Brashard Smith – Wide Receiver

When Brashard Smith signed with the Hurricanes out of Miami Northwestern High School in 2020, he was widely regarded as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the state of Florida. Since his arrival at Miami, Smith has demonstrated his versatility as both a wide receiver and a return specialist. By 2025, he will have developed into a key veteran leader on both sides of the ball.

What makes Smith stand out is his ability to create separation with his elite speed and quickness, allowing him to become a consistent deep threat. In addition to his playmaking ability, Smith’s leadership will be invaluable as he becomes one of the team captains. His connection with Jaden Rashada will be pivotal, as the two will likely develop chemistry over the next few seasons. With his experience and explosive skill set, Smith will be looked to as a leader in the wide receiver room, helping mentor younger players who look to make an impact at Miami.

3. Leonard Taylor – Defensive Tackle

As one of the top defensive linemen in the country when he signed with Miami in 2021, Leonard Taylor is already on the radar of NFL scouts. By 2025, Taylor will have spent several seasons in Cristobal’s system, and his evolution from a promising prospect to a seasoned veteran leader will be one of the key storylines for the Hurricanes’ defense.

Taylor’s combination of size, athleticism, and explosive power makes him a disruptive force in the trenches. He’s already been an integral part of Miami’s defensive line rotation and has shown flashes of becoming a true game-wrecker in the middle of the defensive front. In 2025, Taylor will be a cornerstone of the Hurricanes’ defense, both as a playmaker and as a mentor to younger players. His leadership will be essential in ensuring that Miami’s defense remains physical, disciplined, and dominant.

His leadership will extend beyond the field as well. As one of the most high-profile recruits of Cristobal’s tenure, Taylor will be expected to take on more responsibility as a vocal leader in the locker room, particularly as Miami looks to regain its place among the elite teams in college football.

4. Tyler Harrell – Wide Receiver

Tyler Harrell’s journey to Miami was an exciting one. Harrell transferred to Miami after a standout season at Alabama, where he showed his potential as a deep-threat wide receiver. As a transfer, Harrell brings with him experience in high-level systems that will only benefit him as he transitions into his senior season at Miami in 2025.

Harrell’s explosive speed, combined with his ability to track the football deep downfield, will make him a key component in the Hurricanes’ offensive attack in 2025. He has the ability to take the top off defenses, providing a vertical dimension that can open up space for other playmakers. Harrell’s veteran experience, having played at a school like Alabama, will make him a valuable asset both on and off the field. By 2025, he will likely be a veteran leader who can help Jaden Rashada develop further and provide guidance to younger wide receivers.

5. Kamren Kinchens – Safety

One of the most exciting young defensive players to emerge for the Hurricanes in recent years, Kamren Kinchens has already shown that he’s capable of being an elite safety. After bursting onto the scene in his freshman year, Kinchens quickly became a playmaker in the secondary and a key defensive leader. By 2025, Kinchens will have developed into a seasoned veteran who can anchor Miami’s defense.

Kinchens’ ability to cover ground quickly, read the quarterback’s eyes, and make plays on the ball will be invaluable to the Hurricanes’ defense. His experience and leadership in the secondary will help the younger players around him develop. As a captain-type figure, Kinchens will likely become one of the most vocal players on the team, guiding Miami’s defense through both difficult and crucial moments.

6. Cyrus Moss – Edge Rusher

Cyrus Moss was one of the top defensive recruits in the class of 2022, known for his explosive first step and ability to rush the passer off the edge. As a highly rated recruit from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Moss has already shown flashes of his potential as a pass rusher during his early years at Miami. By 2025, Moss is expected to develop into a dominant force on the defensive line and provide the Hurricanes with a top-tier edge rusher who can change the game.

Moss’s leadership will be vital as he matures into a more consistent player. His presence off the edge will help Miami pressure quarterbacks and create turnovers, while his leadership will be essential in setting the tone for Miami’s defensive front. Moss will also help mentor younger players in the defensive line group, passing on his knowledge of technique, strength training, and what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

7. Akeem Mesidor – Defensive End

Another key player on the defensive line, Akeem Mesidor made his way to Miami after a successful stint at West Virginia. He has already demonstrated his ability to be a disruptive force in the backfield, making plays both as a pass rusher and in stopping the run. By 2025, Mesidor will be one of the veterans on the defensive line, and his experience will be invaluable to the Hurricanes’ defense.

Mesidor’s physicality, quickness off the ball, and football intelligence make him a complete defensive lineman. His leadership will be critical in guiding younger players, especially the edge rushers and defensive tackles, to develop into key contributors for the defense. As one of the upperclassmen on the team, Mesidor will be expected to be a vocal leader, leading by example with his relentless effort and work ethic.