Freshman edge rusher Rueben Bain has had an eventful first couple of months with the Miami Hurricanes, adjusting to college football practice and getting to know his teammates. He recently shared some thoughts on his experience so far, giving insights into the support he's receiving and the competitive atmosphere within the team.
Bain credits veteran Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor for taking him under his wing and providing guidance. "He'll pull me to the side and tell me what I could do better. He’s always trying to get us in the film room, to get extra work after practice, and he's just been that leader that we need," says the freshman.
The competition between Bain and fellow blue-chip recruit Francis Mauigoa is intense, but it only serves to improve both players. "Everything’s going good. We go at each other every day; Always trying to go against each other one-on-one. Iron sharpens Iron like coach Cristobal talks about, and he may win some, I may win some – we just always battle with each other trying to get the upper hand," Bain explains.
Bain's decision to stay home and play for Miami has proven to be the right one in his eyes, especially with the support of his family. His mother frequently visits practice, and his brother Reggie, who had a great college career as an offensive lineman at FAU, is on the Miami staff. "Not gonna lie, coming out of practice every day and seeing my mom, that be the best feeling ever. And then I could stay after practice and do extra work with my brother. So having that family affair kind of thing is a great feeling," he shares.
The presence of his brother has also given Bain a unique perspective on the game. "One of the best feelings in the world like I said before because I could stay after practice and if he sees me doing these drills he’ll run over try to help me out and try to teach me up on some things. He may not be a D-Line coach, but he could tell me what the O-Linemen is taught to do and I feel like that helps my game because I get the best of both worlds. I get a Hall of Fame D-Line coach (Jason Taylor) and O-Line coach helping me on the other side," Bain explains.
Bain is impressed by freshmen offensive linemen Samson Okunlola and Francis Mauigoa, calling them "future first-round picks." But it's not just their physical abilities that stand out. "Both of them are quick, real athletic and everything like that, but other than that they know they were five stars in high school. But both of them really don't care about none of that now. They know it's a new playing field, so they're just trying to leave all that in the past and create a new path and I like that about both of them," says Bain.
As he continues to adjust to college football, Bain is focusing on his physical development. Currently weighing around 269-270 pounds, he hopes to add about five more pounds before the season kicks off. Bain is on the right track to make an impact in his first season with the Hurricanes.
Bain credits veteran Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor for taking him under his wing and providing guidance. "He'll pull me to the side and tell me what I could do better. He’s always trying to get us in the film room, to get extra work after practice, and he's just been that leader that we need," says the freshman.
The competition between Bain and fellow blue-chip recruit Francis Mauigoa is intense, but it only serves to improve both players. "Everything’s going good. We go at each other every day; Always trying to go against each other one-on-one. Iron sharpens Iron like coach Cristobal talks about, and he may win some, I may win some – we just always battle with each other trying to get the upper hand," Bain explains.
Bain's decision to stay home and play for Miami has proven to be the right one in his eyes, especially with the support of his family. His mother frequently visits practice, and his brother Reggie, who had a great college career as an offensive lineman at FAU, is on the Miami staff. "Not gonna lie, coming out of practice every day and seeing my mom, that be the best feeling ever. And then I could stay after practice and do extra work with my brother. So having that family affair kind of thing is a great feeling," he shares.
The presence of his brother has also given Bain a unique perspective on the game. "One of the best feelings in the world like I said before because I could stay after practice and if he sees me doing these drills he’ll run over try to help me out and try to teach me up on some things. He may not be a D-Line coach, but he could tell me what the O-Linemen is taught to do and I feel like that helps my game because I get the best of both worlds. I get a Hall of Fame D-Line coach (Jason Taylor) and O-Line coach helping me on the other side," Bain explains.
Bain is impressed by freshmen offensive linemen Samson Okunlola and Francis Mauigoa, calling them "future first-round picks." But it's not just their physical abilities that stand out. "Both of them are quick, real athletic and everything like that, but other than that they know they were five stars in high school. But both of them really don't care about none of that now. They know it's a new playing field, so they're just trying to leave all that in the past and create a new path and I like that about both of them," says Bain.
As he continues to adjust to college football, Bain is focusing on his physical development. Currently weighing around 269-270 pounds, he hopes to add about five more pounds before the season kicks off. Bain is on the right track to make an impact in his first season with the Hurricanes.
