All 18 of the Miami Hurricanes 2027 commits have shut down their recruitments and are fully locked in with the Hurricanes. One of those prospects is four-star defensive lineman Ezekiel Ayangbile.
Ezekiel, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound defensive lineman who committed to play for Miami on May 8th, is taking it all in as a Hurricane. He is currently ranked as the nation's No. 20 defensive lineman in the country.
I recently spoke with his mother about his recruitment, her thoughts on his decision to lock in with Miami, and what the process has been like for their family.
You can read our full conversation below.
What was your reaction when Ezekiel decided to shut down his recruitment and fully commit to Miami?
My reaction when Ezekiel decided to shut down his recruitment and fully commit to Miami was one that I think every mother on the team experience. We were actually chatting in our own group chat about how cool we thought it was that they shut down their recruitment process at the same time. It just goes to show that everything they do is a brotherhood already, even before they stepped on the field together… They’re locked in. So I was very proud of him and while he was upstairs in our house chatting it up with his boys , I was downstairs, living it up with the mommas.
What made Miami stand out to your family throughout the recruiting process?
As I have said a few times, Miami stood out to us through the recruiting process over other universities or colleges because the coaching staff, administrative staff and the recruiting staff are all family oriented. It goes beyond the field and right into the home. The coaches are down to earth and loving towards everyone in my family not just Ezekiel. They genuinely care about you. As a mom who may not have the ability to be by my son or in the same city as my son in the next few months… That’s very important to me.
How important were the relationships your family built with Mario Cristobal and the coaching staff?
Their relationships my family built with Coach Cristobal and the coaching staff have been important throughout this whole recruiting process because we understand that this isn’t something that just dies when the recruiting process is over. We all understand that this is a lifetime commitment, even if my son only plays for 3 to 4 years for the Miami Hurricanes. Making the decision to become a hurricane is an honor, and it’s not to be taken lightly when there are so many other players and family members who could only wish and pray to be in the same situation as us. Because we understand this, we value, we appreciate, and we give honor and glory to God along with many thanks…because, who are we?
Was there a specific moment when you knew Miami was the right place for Ezekiel?
The specific moment when I knew that Miami was the right place for Ezekiel was when we arrived to the school and it was just like the show “Cheers” from back in the day… Immediately once we got out of our car, everybody knew not only my son‘s name, but my name as well. It was nice knowing that everybody there did their homework… You weren’t just a recruit you were family. They made sure they knew everything about you so that the rapport had already been built even before the visit started.
What should Miami fans know about Ezekiel off the field?
What should Miami fans know about Ezekiel off the field. He is a lover of all people. He has a heart for people who are different, he has a special place in his heart for children with special needs. He is extremely patient and kind… My dad and I call him our little David after King David in the Bible. We understand he’s not perfect, but that’s what makes him perfect for us… The fact that when he is in trouble or when he does mess up he knows exactly Who (God) to run to for forgiveness. He has seen a lot in his life and for him to be where he is now, but with the humility of someone who never experienced these things makes him a pretty great person and an even better kid. I am blessed.
What excites you most about his future as a Hurricane?
What excites me most about his future as a Hurricane is that I know he is not just going to be an amazing football player, but after these three-four years… (especially seeing how quickly he has developed into a young man in just the last few months), I am very excited to see him develop, not just physically, not just athletically, but mentally and spiritually.
Ezekiel, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound defensive lineman who committed to play for Miami on May 8th, is taking it all in as a Hurricane. He is currently ranked as the nation's No. 20 defensive lineman in the country.
I recently spoke with his mother about his recruitment, her thoughts on his decision to lock in with Miami, and what the process has been like for their family.
You can read our full conversation below.
What was your reaction when Ezekiel decided to shut down his recruitment and fully commit to Miami?
My reaction when Ezekiel decided to shut down his recruitment and fully commit to Miami was one that I think every mother on the team experience. We were actually chatting in our own group chat about how cool we thought it was that they shut down their recruitment process at the same time. It just goes to show that everything they do is a brotherhood already, even before they stepped on the field together… They’re locked in. So I was very proud of him and while he was upstairs in our house chatting it up with his boys , I was downstairs, living it up with the mommas.
What made Miami stand out to your family throughout the recruiting process?
As I have said a few times, Miami stood out to us through the recruiting process over other universities or colleges because the coaching staff, administrative staff and the recruiting staff are all family oriented. It goes beyond the field and right into the home. The coaches are down to earth and loving towards everyone in my family not just Ezekiel. They genuinely care about you. As a mom who may not have the ability to be by my son or in the same city as my son in the next few months… That’s very important to me.
How important were the relationships your family built with Mario Cristobal and the coaching staff?
Their relationships my family built with Coach Cristobal and the coaching staff have been important throughout this whole recruiting process because we understand that this isn’t something that just dies when the recruiting process is over. We all understand that this is a lifetime commitment, even if my son only plays for 3 to 4 years for the Miami Hurricanes. Making the decision to become a hurricane is an honor, and it’s not to be taken lightly when there are so many other players and family members who could only wish and pray to be in the same situation as us. Because we understand this, we value, we appreciate, and we give honor and glory to God along with many thanks…because, who are we?
Was there a specific moment when you knew Miami was the right place for Ezekiel?
The specific moment when I knew that Miami was the right place for Ezekiel was when we arrived to the school and it was just like the show “Cheers” from back in the day… Immediately once we got out of our car, everybody knew not only my son‘s name, but my name as well. It was nice knowing that everybody there did their homework… You weren’t just a recruit you were family. They made sure they knew everything about you so that the rapport had already been built even before the visit started.
What should Miami fans know about Ezekiel off the field?
What should Miami fans know about Ezekiel off the field. He is a lover of all people. He has a heart for people who are different, he has a special place in his heart for children with special needs. He is extremely patient and kind… My dad and I call him our little David after King David in the Bible. We understand he’s not perfect, but that’s what makes him perfect for us… The fact that when he is in trouble or when he does mess up he knows exactly Who (God) to run to for forgiveness. He has seen a lot in his life and for him to be where he is now, but with the humility of someone who never experienced these things makes him a pretty great person and an even better kid. I am blessed.
What excites you most about his future as a Hurricane?
What excites me most about his future as a Hurricane is that I know he is not just going to be an amazing football player, but after these three-four years… (especially seeing how quickly he has developed into a young man in just the last few months), I am very excited to see him develop, not just physically, not just athletically, but mentally and spiritually.
