Boasting a massive frame and Olympic-caliber genetics, this five-star freshman is dominating fall camp drills while climbing the national ranks as one of college football's premier physical specimens.
MIAMI, Fla. – The second week of fall camp continues and Miami Hurricanes freshman Jackson Cantwell has several eyes on him.
Before arriving at the Coral Gables campus, the elite five-star top-five recruit was surrounded by expectations to start and deliver an immediate impact. He’s undergone Alex Mirabal’s cross-training methods, playing both tackle and guard positions. Cantwell has responded well to the challenge.
After four years at Nixa High School, the highly touted prospect continues to gather national attention. According to The Athletic, Cantwell is ranked third on Bruce Feldman’s annual college football “Freaks” list.
“The younger Cantwell’s power and explosiveness are mind-blowing,” he wrote. “At 15, he bench pressed 405 pounds for four reps, vertical jumped 31 inches and broad jumped 8-10 — at 6-8, 300 pounds. At 16, he bench pressed 505 pounds and did a close-grip bench with 475.”
Within the family is an athletic background. Christian Cantwell (father) was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. He played track and field/shot put, won Silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics (Outdoor), and won seven championships (four in Outdoor and three in Indoor) in USA Track and Field.
Teri Steer-Cantwell (mother) is a two-time NCAA shot put champion at SMU. She was inducted into the program’s Hall of Fame in 2019.
Cantwell is unofficially listed at 6-8 and 330 pounds. He is projected to play at left tackle, but the Hurricanes have worked him at guard during fall camp. Cantwell has the size to be a problem at the line of scrimmage. He needs to develop quicker footwork to handle the speed of edge rushers or tackles at the Power Four level. Even with a “freakish” frame, Cantwell can move well and possesses great power.
Mario Cristobal established an identity within the program of dominating the line of scrimmage. Last season’s offensive line was regarded among the nation’s best and allowed 20 sacks in 16 games. However, four starters, including All-American right tackle Francis Mauigoa (selected No. 10 by the New York Giants), departed the program for the NFL.
Cantwell has an opportunity to secure a starting role, whether it’s at tackle or guard. He is still surrounded by veterans such as Samson Okunlola, Ryan Rodriguez, and Matthew McCoy. If Cantwell produces a promising freshman season for a National Championship contender, first-round projections will start emerging.
The Missouri native started practicing with the team since the College Football Playoffs. He’s was a full participant in spring and the journey continues with the second week of fall camp.
Cantwell isn’t concerned about the outside noise, as said to MiamiRoundtable on Media Day, and the main focus is getting better each and every day.
