2021 Columbus (FL) 4-star DE Jabari Ishmael recently committed to the Miami Hurricanes, joining what has been a barrage of local talent this cycle that has elected to stay home at UM for school.
“It just felt amazing to finally commit, and the coaches were very excited for me too,” Ishmael said. “Miami is just home to me, I grew up here.”
The 6-5 210 pound prospect chose the Canes over other schools in his top 3 that included Oregon and FSU, which were two programs he planned to visit before making a decision ahead of his senior season. However, the coronavirus shutdowns threw a wrench into those plans, making visits impossible, and ultimately, Ishamel went with what he considered the most comfortable option in UM.
“I made the decision when I realized I couldn’t visit other schools, I didn’t want to wait anymore,” Ishmael said. “I grew up around Miami football and the campus so I’m already really familiar with everything and everyone.”
An interesting part of Ishmael’s story includes his father Victor being a longtime S&C assistant at Miami (16 years), which almost certainly played a part in his decision.
Victor’s reaction to Jabari’s decision to join him at UM?
“[His reaction] was pretty normal,” Ishamel said. “He gave me a thumbs up.”
Ishmael had been seen as a key priority in this class from the beginning for both head coach Manny Diaz and DL coach Todd Stroud, as Miami has been recruiting Ishamel since his freshman year of high school. Looking into the future, the staff envisions an impactful role for the Columbus star in Miami’s aggressive defense.
“The coaches have told me that they see me as a rush end and a speed chaser,” Ishmael said. “I am a fast-twitch athlete that can find the ball carrier and I can get to the quarterback.”
The Hurricanes have continued to add to a 2021 class that is considered a top 10 haul by both 247Sports and Rivals. While Ishmael does have a strong bond with Columbus teammate and Miami OL commit Ryan Rodriguez, he admits he still does not know most of his classmates that well just yet.
“I haven’t really met any of the other commits, but I’m excited to,” Ishmael said. “Also, I can’t wait to get to Miami and learn from the players that are already there.”
As a junior in 2019, Ishmael helped the Explorers to a state title and was named second team All-Dade after posting a line of 46 tackles, 8 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FR, and 1 PBU.
“It just felt amazing to finally commit, and the coaches were very excited for me too,” Ishmael said. “Miami is just home to me, I grew up here.”
The 6-5 210 pound prospect chose the Canes over other schools in his top 3 that included Oregon and FSU, which were two programs he planned to visit before making a decision ahead of his senior season. However, the coronavirus shutdowns threw a wrench into those plans, making visits impossible, and ultimately, Ishamel went with what he considered the most comfortable option in UM.
“I made the decision when I realized I couldn’t visit other schools, I didn’t want to wait anymore,” Ishmael said. “I grew up around Miami football and the campus so I’m already really familiar with everything and everyone.”
An interesting part of Ishmael’s story includes his father Victor being a longtime S&C assistant at Miami (16 years), which almost certainly played a part in his decision.
Victor’s reaction to Jabari’s decision to join him at UM?
“[His reaction] was pretty normal,” Ishamel said. “He gave me a thumbs up.”
Ishmael had been seen as a key priority in this class from the beginning for both head coach Manny Diaz and DL coach Todd Stroud, as Miami has been recruiting Ishamel since his freshman year of high school. Looking into the future, the staff envisions an impactful role for the Columbus star in Miami’s aggressive defense.
“The coaches have told me that they see me as a rush end and a speed chaser,” Ishmael said. “I am a fast-twitch athlete that can find the ball carrier and I can get to the quarterback.”
The Hurricanes have continued to add to a 2021 class that is considered a top 10 haul by both 247Sports and Rivals. While Ishmael does have a strong bond with Columbus teammate and Miami OL commit Ryan Rodriguez, he admits he still does not know most of his classmates that well just yet.
“I haven’t really met any of the other commits, but I’m excited to,” Ishmael said. “Also, I can’t wait to get to Miami and learn from the players that are already there.”
As a junior in 2019, Ishmael helped the Explorers to a state title and was named second team All-Dade after posting a line of 46 tackles, 8 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FR, and 1 PBU.
