Before Rueben Bain Jr. even began speaking, anticipation filled the room. As one of this year’s top NFL Draft prospects, the defensive lineman drew a crowd eager to hear his thoughts.
Bain tackled a range of topics, from Miami’s thrilling postseason run to his experience playing for the Hurricanes, his hometown team. He didn’t shy away from addressing online critiques of his physique and skills, and he shared insights from his meetings with NFL teams, general managers, and coaches at the Combine.
“I over-prepared, so I was ready for anything,” Bain confidently remarked about those discussions.
Bain’s media session was a standout moment at the Combine, just before players hit the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for the much-anticipated pre-draft drills. But Bain isn’t the only Hurricane making waves this week.
Joining him in Indianapolis are nine former Miami teammates, including quarterback Carson Beck, wide receiver CJ Daniels, and others from both sides of the ball. This marks the second consecutive year Miami has sent 10 players to the Combine, a significant rise from previous years.
The Hurricanes’ success on the field has mirrored their growing presence at the Combine. Miami recently concluded a historic season, achieving 13 wins and competing in the College Football Playoff Championship. While they fell short of a national title, victories in the Fiesta and Cotton Bowls, along with wins over rivals Notre Dame, Florida, and Florida State, underscored their resurgence.
The previous season saw former quarterback Cam Ward, the top pick in last year’s draft, leading Miami to its first 10-win season since 2017, setting the stage for their current success.
Under head coach Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes have reestablished themselves among college football’s elite. CBS Sports draft analyst Ryan Wilson noted the impact of players like Cam Ward and Carson Beck, alongside a talented supporting cast including Sisi Mauigoa and Markel Bell.
Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network emphasized Miami’s renewed stature, stating, “More than any national title, it’s the presence. The U feels different again.”
Linebacker Wesley Bissainthe, who played alongside Bain at Miami Central High School, has been pivotal in Miami’s turnaround. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed pride in being part of the program’s resurgence from a challenging 5-7 season in 2022.
“Man, it’s been amazing,” Bissainthe shared. “We were part of the turnaround.
We worked hard for this. It’s not easy, so we just kept our heads down and kept our faith going.”
As the Hurricanes showcase their talents in Indianapolis, there’s optimism that the next wave of Miami players will continue this upward trajectory, aiming for success in both college and the NFL.
“They’re ready,” Bissainthe asserted. “It’s a new year, and they’re taking it with a different mindset. They’re going to do what they’ve got to do to get on the field this year.”