Miami added another piece to what is proving to be a well-stocked backfield this cycle in Coral Gables. The four-star cornerback from New Iberia (La.) Westgate Jaboree Antoine announced his commitment to the Hurricanes on Saturday, choosing the ACC program over in-state LSU.
The addition of Antoine, the number 87 prospect in the general ranking and the number 9 corner in the On3 Industry Rankingsgave the Canes a big boost in the On3 Industry Recruiting Team Rankings. Mario Cristobal et Cie. moved up three spots to No. 9 in the country, surpassing Oklahoma, Tennessee and Florida.
“I like that I’m in a good place in Miami,” Antoine told On3’s Chad Simmons. “They have a great system for me and I can see myself making an impact early there. I’m fortunate to play early and play for great people. Miami has my type of people and I like that fit.”
Eight top-200 recruits are now committed to Miami this cycle. Led by a slew of in-state standouts, the class now has 19 prospects in total.
The canes continue their great month of July on the trails
Each of the top four players in Miami’s class joined the group this month. Bradenton (Fla.) The four-star linebacker from IMG Academy Gavin Nix kicked off on July 1 and has since been flanked by four-star safety Jacksonville Mandarin Hytlon StubbsBishop Gorman, four-star interior offensive lineman from Las Vegas SJ Alofaituli and now Antoine.
Stubbs leads the class as the No. 55 overall prospect and No. 4 safety in the country. The former USC commit chose the Canes over Florida shortly after returning to the board.
“They showed a lot of interest, and my dad and I looked at the spec chart and saw an opportunity to play early. Miami’s defensive line and front seven look really good; they have some stars up front. Miami made a big push after the spring visit and then during the official visit,” Stubbs told On3.
Alofaituli committed 24 hours after Stubbs and is also a top-100 overall recruit and the No. 5 IOL of the cycle. Nix is the No. 16 LB and No. 21 player from the Sunshine State.
Stubbs and Antoine represent just half of the top-tier defensive backs in Miami’s class so far. Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna, four-star CB Chris Ewald promised on June 27, a week after the four-star safety from Miami Central Amari Wallace does the same thing.
Tampa four-star running back Armwood Girard PringleKissimmee (Fla.) Four-star linebacker from Osceola Elijah Melendez and Leo (Ind.), four-star tight end Brock Schott are all top-200 recruits. Other high-profile players include four-star quarterback Milton of Alpharetta, Ga. Luke NickelCincinnati Lakota West four-star TE Luka GilbertSanford Seminole’s four-star IOL Max Buchanan and four-star Phenix City (Alabama) Central WR Daylyn Upshaw.
