MIAMI, Fla. – In spring practices and currently in fall camp, the Miami Hurricanes' offensive line has been the center of attention, but Jackson Cantwell has drawn most of it.
The 18-year-old freshman was an elite five-star recruit coming from Nixa High School. He logged 459 pancake blocks in 45 games over four years. Cantwell arrived at the Coral Gables campus listed at 6-8 and 330 pounds. Although he's a traditional offensive tackle, Alex Mirabal doesn't shy away from moving players around the line of scrimmage.
In the first week of fall camp, Cantwell has played some snaps at right guard. However, it doesn't guarantee he is moving to the interior. After losing four starters from last season, Mirabal and Mario Cristobal will experiment with a wide range of lineups until the best one is assembled.
Adaptability will be key for the Hurricanes' stud freshman to find success in fall camp. Cantwell has accepted the challenge and shown promising flashes in the media's limited preview of action. However, tackle is likely the more suitable option for him in any lineup.
Cantwell is projected to start at left tackle, protecting quarterback Darian Mensah's blindside. It's a big responsibility, but he has the frame to meet the challenges that come with it. Cantwell has shown receptivity to leadership. Whether it's from Mirabal, Matthew McCoy, Ryan Rodriguez, or Samson Okunlola, he is always looking for ways to improve.
The Hurricanes will continue tinkering with the offensive line throughout the next few weeks of fall camp. Cantwell's development and versatility are likely to impact the team's success, not just for the upcoming season, but for the foreseeable future. He's surrounded by the right veterans and mentors to deliver an immediate impact.
Cantwell is lining up against high-quality edge rushers and defensive tackles to prepare to block from anywhere at the line of scrimmage. Although Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr. are no longer part of the program, it's been Marquise Lightfoot, Damon Wilson II, Ahmad Moten Sr., Justin Scott, and Armondo Blount, among others, helping him to prepare for what's to come.
Cristobal hasn't looked away from playing freshmen. Last season, it was wide receiver Malachi Toney who took the college football world by storm. The trenches aren't as exciting as catching a deep pass for a touchdown, but blocking the defenders to carve out the play is just as important.
Cantwell's journey through "The U" is only beginning, but it's been off to a promising start.
