Miami enters picture for 4-star LB Elias Rudolph following offer

Miami is still fighting to climb into the picture for 2024 recruits, including Deerfield Beach (Fla.) four-star linebacker Elias Rudolph.

The Hurricanes offered Rudolph earlier this week after the No. 287 overall prospect impressed Miami’s coaching staff during the spring, and he said he was excited to receive the offer. However, Miami has its work cut out in Rudolph’s recruitment despite his excitement about the Canes.

Rudolph recently announced a top five of Cincinnati, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Pittsburgh but isn’t writing off the Hurricanes. Michigan leads heavily in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine ahead of Ohio State, Penn State and Pittsburgh.

“It was a surreal feeling,” Rudolph said. “I was excited to know that coach was watching me and was excited about my performance. It just made me feel good.”

Rudolph said he’s spoken to several coaches on Miami’s staff “every day” since he received the offer and the staff is working to climb into the picture. The Hurricanes are recruiting Rudolph at the JACK position, a hybrid linebacker and EDGE position.

“They know I dropped my top five, so they’re just trying to pick my brain and find out if they still have a shot to land me,” Rudolph said. “They’re just thrilled with who I am, so they’ve been on me.”

So what does the 6-foot-3, 200 pound linebacker tell Miami’s staff when he talks to them?

“I tell them I’m open-minded,” Rudolph said. “Shoot your shot. Shoot your shot. I’m willing to keep my eyes open to every door that opens. I’m just telling them it’s possible. Don’t give up but I am looking to commit early, so time is getting short.”

He stresses it’s not too late for the Hurricanes. He added Miami co-defensive line coach Jason Taylor has played a substantial role in his Miami interest and has “a lot of respect” for the Hurricanes’ staff.

“I’m thrilled with their coaching staff,” Rudolph said. “I’m thrilled with their facilities, and I did visit in January. I don’t know how to answer what it takes for me to get there, but I guess we’ll see since I gave them the open layup.”

Rudolph is hoping to commit sometime in July after he takes his official visits.

CaneSport’s Take

The Hurricanes are going to have to make an all-hands-on-deck push to have any chance at landing the top-300 prospect as midwestern programs threaten to pull away. We’ll monitor to see if Miami brings him to campus for an official visit.

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