I had a chance to catch up with the four-star defensive end from Illinois and he had this to say about why he chose the Hurricanes:
"I fell in love with the campus, the culture, the city, the coaches, and the history. Although I was blessed to have some bigger programs on me like USC and Ohio State, which I seriously considered, Miami kept coming back up in my heart as the right fit."
On just how close Ohio State came to being the pick for him:
"Ohio State recruited me the right way and I was honestly on my way to OSU. I also got a lot of OSU fans plus supporters and coaches, family, etc. around me so OSU made the most sense. I was truly a lock for them, but after my last visit I started to rethink what was best for me, and it was Miami."
On his relationship with the staff and how Miami took the lead:
"My relationship with the staff is great. [Defensive Line Coach] Jason Taylor is the real deal and the visit was great. They showed me a great time and separated themselves from everyone else."
On who he could become at Miami:
"I seen his film. I think I can become the next Jason Taylor."
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Film breakdown of new four-star Miami DE commit Marquise Lightfoot
miami.rivals.com