Miami locks down another top local recruit as Columbus DE Jabari Ishmael commits to UM
Another one of the top prospects in Miami-Dade County is joining the Miami Hurricanes. Jabari Ishmael, a four-star defensive end from Miami Columbus, has committed to the Hurricanes’ Class of 2021.
Ishmael announced his commitment Friday on Twitter after Todd Stroud teased an impending announcement Wednesday.
“Since I was little, football has guided me and allowed me to work, learn, and build a better me. I’d like to thank all my coaches at Christopher Columbus High School that have supported me and pushed me on and off the field, I am forever grateful for your time and all the knowledge you poured into me,” Ishmael wrote. “I want to also thank my family for cheering me on and being my support system. I wouldn’t be here without you guys. This game has allowed me to reach new heights and grow as an athlete and student.”
The 6-5, 210-pound defensive lineman is the son of assistant strength-and-conditioning coach Victor Ishmael and had been linked to the hometown team since Miami first offered way back in 2018. Ishmael never visited any other school and was a frequent guest in Coral Gables, last visiting for a junior day in January.
Ishmael is the second Columbus player to commit to the Hurricanes’ 2021 recruiting class, joining three-star center Ryan Rodriguez. The 18th member of the class, Ishmael is the 10th prospect from Miami-Dade and the 15th from South Florida. All but one member of the Hurricanes’ class — Fort Myers Bishop Verot’s Malik Curtis — has lived in the Miami metropolitan area at some point.
Ishmael’s commitment also continues the Hurricanes’ success at recruiting players from winning programs. As a junior in 2019, Ishmael racked up 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks and a fumble recovery to help the Explorers win their first state championship. His eight tackles for loss were tied for the team lead with defensive lineman Elijah Roberts, who enrolled at Miami last month.
Eleven of the Hurricanes’ 18 commits won Florida High School Athletic Association championships last year and one more played for a state title in Daytona Beach. Ishamael is the second local state champion to commit to Miami in the past week, following Miami Northwestern four-star safety Kamren Kinchens, who pledged to the Hurricanes on Saturday.
Ishmael’s productive season earned him second-team All-County honors for Classes 8A-5A from the Miami Herald. He claims about 20 offers and is regarded as the No. 30 player in Florida by the 247Sports.com composite rankings for the 2021 recruiting cycle.
With Ishmael’s commitment, the Hurricanes still have the No. 12 class in the country and No. 3 class in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He’s the first defensive end in the class and third defensive linemen, joining Pinecrest Palmetto four-star defensive tackle Savion Collins and Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna three-star defensive tackle Allan Haye.
This story was originally published July 17, 2020 at 6:16 PM.
