A five-star freshman offensive tackle faces intense early competition, pushing beyond the limits and rapidly developing skills for the Miami Hurricanes' demanding trenches.
The Miami Hurricanes have numerous exciting new players, whether it be from the transfer portal or high school recruits. However, the hype might not compare to freshman offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell. He was an elite five-star prospect coming from Nixa High School, a public institution located in Christian County, Missouri. The 17-year-old recorded 459 pancake blocks in 45 games over four seasons.
Cantwell joined the program on its journey to the National Championship game. He practiced with the roster and played on the scouting team. After several departures from the offensive line, including left tackle Markel Bell, right guard Anez Cooper, center James Brockermeyer, and All-American right tackle Francis Mauigoa, all of whom declared for the upcoming NFL Draft, Cantwell is projected to earn a starting role. However, the freshman admitted there were growing pains throughout spring practice.
“They threw me in the fire,” he said. “I think the biggest thing I figured out over the last couple of weeks is how to have the physicality to play with these guys. Pass protection has gotten a lot better as far as staying in front of defenders. I know my hands still need to get a lot better, but there’s a lot of stuff I’m already starting to improve on. My intentionality, as far as knowing exactly what to get better at from practice, knowing what to look for in watching film, has gotten a lot better.”
The Hurricanes established an identity built around dominating matchups in the trenches. Regardless of the departures, the new group is expected to produce similar results, including Cantwell. Given the strong status as a high school recruit, there will be eyes on him across the nation. In terms of handling outside pressure, Cantwell has an understanding of what comes with being a highly-touted prospect and what’s expected on the field.
“You’re going to sink or you’re going to swim,” he added. “You’re either going to step up to the plate, deliver, or you’re going to fall back. I just try my hardest to go out there and compete every single day. I’ve taken a lot of lumps, but I feel like I’m just giving them back every single time I take one. That’s what I’m trying to do, just fight back and keep applying pressure to the elite defensive guys we have, just keep trying to be a functioning part of our offense, not slowing our guys down. Just try to be able to fit in, run our scheme at a very high level, the way we’re trying to run it right now. It’s only gotten better as I’ve gone on.”
Cantwell is facing defensive players who will sharpen his skillset, such as edge rushers Marquise Lightfoot and Damon Wilson II, plus tackle Armondo Blount.
As the Hurricanes develop a new-looking offensive line, the program appears confident in the potential, especially with a five-star freshman in the mix.
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