Local DE Ishmael commits, continues Canes’ recruiting momentum

Chalk up not only another commitment for Manny Diaz and company, but also another one from right here in South Florida. Four-star defensive end Jabari Ishmael revealed via social media on Friday that he is staying home to play in Coral Gables. Ishmael picked the Canes over Oregon and Florida State. Defensive line coach Todd Stroud is credited as the primary recruiter for Ishmael. 

#GoCanes 🟠🟢 pic.twitter.com/XEYeyzbOa6

— Jabari Ishmael (@IshmaelJabari) July 17, 2020

Ishmael is ranked as the 14th-best weakside defensive end in the country and 216th overall according to the 247Sports Composite. He hails from Christopher Columbus High right here in Miami, helping them win the 8A state title in 2019 while contributing 46 tackles, 8 TFL’s, and 3 sacks. 

Measuring out at 6’5”, 210 pounds, he fits the mold of the lanky, athletic defensive end that Diaz covets in his defense. He will most certainly have to add weight when he gets to the next level and he’ll definitely have help from someone he’s very familiar with. 

His dad, Victor Ishmael, is a veteran strength and conditioning coach for the team.

Ishmael might be Miami’s only take at defensive end in this recruiting cycle as they still have a lot of bodies that took in during the 2019 cycle. However, that could change if another high-level prospect shows interest. At the moment, there are more glaring needs at other positions such as cornerback and wide receiver.

Miami currently sits at 12th in the 247Sports team rankings, but that ranking could end up being much higher as they also await the decisions of five-star DT Leonard Taylor and four-star S Corey Collier. Both hail from Miami Palmetto and will be making their choices next month (August 6th and 10th, respectively).