Who is Miami’s X-Factor for the 2024 season?
Going into the 2023 season, there was no clear X-Factor player for Miami in my opinion.. An X-Factor player is one who is expected, or called upon, to make a big play when needed. The X-Factor has the ability to change games, period. Miami had to find those players as the season went on a year ago.
I think 2024 is different. Miami should enter the 2024 season with a few known playmakers–a few players the Hurricanes know they can turn to in the big moments. These are my picks for Miami.
RB Damien Martinez
To be fair, Damien was probably seen as a potential X-Factor a year ago for the Oregon State Beavers. If that were the case, he should be even more so this season. He had an impressive sophomore campaign came after his freshman year of 982 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite not being the most sought-after recruit coming out of high school, Martinez hit the ground running and had been a productive player for Oregon State for two seasons.
Damien Martinez is a very good balance running back he might not have the run-away speed that elite first-rounders possess but he’s got plenty of juice for a 6-foot, 230-pound rusher.Â
EDGE Rueben Bain
Clearly I would say anyone would of said this man Rueben Bain he is just a badass.
Bain saw action in all 13 games in his rookie season and started the final 10, finishing with 37 tackles – tops among Miami defensive linemen. He ranked second on the team in tackles for loss with 9.5 and tied for the team lead with 7.5 sacks.
WR Xavier Restrepo
“X man with another grab” is what the commentators were saying all year last year, now I expect the Hurricanes to look even more at him in the slot with Cam Ward in the backfield where he can dish it to him.
2024 will be Restrepo’s fifth with the Hurricanes. He’s steadily improved in each of the previous four, with his best season coming in 2023. All in all, Restrepo has caught 131 passes for 1,717 receiving yards and ten receiving touchdowns.
LB Kiko Maugioa
Maugioa is a veteran presence on this roster whose return is massive given numerous departures on the team in the past couple of days, players like Mauigoa are crucial if this team wants to improve upon this season. He’ll likely enter next season at the top of the Butkus Award Watch List.
Mauigoa totaled 70 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception as Miami’s top linebacker this year. He also earned All-ACC Second Team honors, as he’ll have a chance to chase new heights next season. He’ll enter next season as Miami’s top returning tackler with James Williams declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
All of these guys will be a huge part into Miami’s roster along with Cam Ward.
Trinton is the owner of CanesToday. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, he is a freshman in high school and wants to graduate from the University of Miami
