Miami Hurricanes' upcoming freshman Jackson Cantwell is the first to win an outstanding high school award at his position.
As the Miami Hurricanes prepare for the College Football Playoffs against the Texas A&M Aggies, it will mark a closing chapter for numerous players who will suit up for the next level, which also means new opportunities opening for recruits. On National Signing Day, the program secured a five-star recruit in offensive lineman Jackson Cantwell from Nixa High School in Missouri.
Mario Cristobal believes the 17-year-old is "beyond his years" from a football perspective:
"Exceptional student, relentless competitor, work ethic through the roof," he said. "When you look at big guys, you look for balance and body control, and he has that and then some. His best football is ahead of him. He is very eager to get right to it."
Cantwell committed to the Hurricanes on March 23rd and had numerous offers from powerhouse universities, such as the Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Bulldogs, Ohio State Buckeyes, Oregon Ducks, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, etc.
However, Cristobal, a former offensive lineman, proved to be the perfect situation for him. Cantwell continues to show signs of promise as he was named the National Gatorade Player of the Year, the first recipient at his position, and was presented the award by Hall of Famer Joe Thomas.
"This is a goal that I've had my eyes on since the start of this year," he said. "I was a finalist for it last year and it was really, really cool to be able to finish the job. To be etched in history in one of these trophies over here for as long as this award exists."
Cantwell finished his senior year with 173 pancake blocks, which set a new high school best, and 459 total to conclude his chapter at Nixa High School. It speaks highly of his ability to withstand the competition lined up in front of him at the line of scrimmage. He alluded to his "excitement" joining the Hurricanes, but understands nothing will be handed to him.
"They're going to play the best five guys no matter what," the Hurricanes signee said. "They're not going to play anybody because of what they did in high school or what they were promised. You're going to have to go earn it no matter what. I think they believe in me, but I think they believe in everyone they've signed so far. At the end of the day, it's going to come down to who he thinks the best five players are, coach Cristobal and coach Mirabal. They're going to develop everybody as good as they physically can. I'm going to put in as much work as I can to be prepared to do that. I'm just happy to be signing to a Power Four team and getting to enroll."
Cantwell is also serious about his academics, mentioning his plan to graduate in 2029. The future is looking bright for the Hurricanes.
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