As the Miami Hurricanes approached the 2024-25 football season last year, several players could have been considered the X-Factor, including Cam Ward and his wide receiver with Xavier Restrepo.
However, according to CBSSports, this year’s X-Factor is expected to emerge from the defensive side. They have chosen new Miami Hurricanes cornerback Xavier Lucas as the pivotal player for the Hurricanes' defense.
CBSSports writer Carter Bahns provided insights on the Wisconsin transfer cornerback:
The defensive backfield single-handedly cost Miami a playoff berth last season with its inability to contain ACC passing attacks, and Mario Cristobal overhauled the unit with a dazzling transfer haul. Xavier Lucas was the top-ranked corner in the portal and serves as the face of this new-look unit, which looks deeper and more talented than the one that struggled last fall. Much of the excitement around Lucas is still rooted in projection, considering he has just one year of experience under his belt and posted one interception and two pass breakups at Wisconsin, so a lot hinges on him taking the expected sophomore leap.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 200 pounds, Lucas was the second-highest graded player on the Wisconsin defense during his true freshman year. As reported by PFF, he had an overall rating of 77.5, with a coverage grade of 75.2 and a tackling grade of 76.8. The South Florida native participated in 11 games in 2024, having 18 tackles while playing for the Wisconsin Badgers. He also recorded one interception and two pass deflections.
Who do you consider to be the X-Factor for the upcoming season? If you were to ask me, I would suggest Mark Fletcher.
However, according to CBSSports, this year’s X-Factor is expected to emerge from the defensive side. They have chosen new Miami Hurricanes cornerback Xavier Lucas as the pivotal player for the Hurricanes' defense.
CBSSports writer Carter Bahns provided insights on the Wisconsin transfer cornerback:
The defensive backfield single-handedly cost Miami a playoff berth last season with its inability to contain ACC passing attacks, and Mario Cristobal overhauled the unit with a dazzling transfer haul. Xavier Lucas was the top-ranked corner in the portal and serves as the face of this new-look unit, which looks deeper and more talented than the one that struggled last fall. Much of the excitement around Lucas is still rooted in projection, considering he has just one year of experience under his belt and posted one interception and two pass breakups at Wisconsin, so a lot hinges on him taking the expected sophomore leap.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 200 pounds, Lucas was the second-highest graded player on the Wisconsin defense during his true freshman year. As reported by PFF, he had an overall rating of 77.5, with a coverage grade of 75.2 and a tackling grade of 76.8. The South Florida native participated in 11 games in 2024, having 18 tackles while playing for the Wisconsin Badgers. He also recorded one interception and two pass deflections.
Who do you consider to be the X-Factor for the upcoming season? If you were to ask me, I would suggest Mark Fletcher.
