Mario Cristobal doesn’t age when it comes to recruiting actively. Interestingly, the Miami head coach just offered a scholarship to the son of an NFL Hall of Famer, a Class of 2031 prospect who’s only entering seventh grade. Although there’s plenty of time before he sets foot on a college campus, and more offers are sure to come. But hearing directly from Cristobal made the moment special. And with Miami already holding a special place in the family’s heart, this one carries extra weight. So, what makes Cristobal and Miami so important to the family?

Well, Miami fans will never forget Devin Hester’s legendary kickoff return against Florida in 2003, a TD that set the tone in seconds. Now, the Hurricanes could one day see another Hester in uniform. Because Devin’s son, Drayton, just picked up his first big offer, and it came from a familiar place. Yes, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal delivered the news himself over FaceTime, extending an offer that stirred plenty of nostalgia in Coral Gables. And that’s when emotions truly ran high for the Hester family.

On Aug. 18, Rivals High School reported that Devin Hester shared the special moment on Instagram: a video of Cristobal delivering the news himself. “No. 1, congratulations on b——g your b— and doing all the things that you’ve been doing at such a young age,” Cristobal told Drayton. “I know you guys have got a big game coming up, but I wanted to call you myself and let you know, face to face, man to man, that we’re offering you a scholarship to Miami and we would love you to be a Miami Hurricane… You are that guy. I’m going to recruit you like an absolute madman and I want you to lead the class when it’s your time.” So, Drayton may be in the Class of 2031, but when decision day eventually comes, Cristobal is clearly all-in on keeping the Hester legacy in Coral Gables. And why not?

Drayton is the son of Miami legend Devin Hester, one of the most electrifying players in program history. Beginning in 2003, Devin made his mark on special teams, turning every return into must-see football. Remember, in just 41 punt returns, he racked up 638 yards and four TDs; three of them in 2004, including two in a single game against Louisiana Tech. On top of that, he was just as dangerous in the kick game, piling up 1,019 yards over 3 seasons. Now, the question is whether Drayton can one day create the same kind of impact for the Hurricanes. But while Cristobal builds recruiting momentum for a future dynasty, questions remain about his QB situation for the 2025 season.

Carson Beck is doing his part to get Miami ready for 2025. And the Hurricanes, who narrowly missed the CFP last season, are counting on him to push them over the top. “I think he leads in that way,” said Mario Cristobal. “He’s got a great relationship with the offensive line, which helps a bunch with protections and the run game. All in all, the passing game keeps getting more in sync as fall camp goes on. And the experience of Carson Beck, it’s really showing up strong.” But it’s not just QB play that matters for success; his weapons around him do too. So, how is Carson Beck’s relationship with his teammates?

Mario Cristobal’s take on his QB1

It’s rare to produce the No. 1 pick at QB, and even rarer to have a chance to do it again the very next year. But that’s the reality for Mario Cristobal’s Miami with the arrival of Carson Beck. Yes, the former Georgia starter came in this offseason and immediately made himself at home. He worked through an injury that limited him in the spring, yet this fall he looks like himself again. And his presence has already changed the locker room.

“His experience shows because he knows what it’s supposed to look like, and he has a lot of familiarity with our concepts,” mentioned Mario Cristobal. “And the amount of time that he spends with our people it’s extraordinary. He’s here early, he’s here late. He’s got a great relationship with those guys, because even while he was hurt, he spent a lot of time around the receivers and the offensive linemen and they forged some really strong relationships.” So, Beck’s bond with teammates may prove just as valuable as his arm. And what’s next?

After a so-so 2024 season at Georgia, one filled with big numbers but costly turnovers, he now has a fresh start in Coral Gables. Well, a new cast surrounds him, and Cristobal has made it clear: players must adapt to Beck’s standard or risk being left behind. So, for Miami’s playoff hopes, that connection could be the difference.