Cantwell says Miami can get him ready for the NFL
NIXA, Mo–'I'd like to announce that I will be committing to Miami.'
The nation's top recruit is heading to Miami.
The eyes of the college football world were on Nixa Tuesday afternoon.
After months of campus visits, debates and sleepless nights, Jackson Cantwell made his decision.
Ozarks Firsts Chris pinson was there and has the story.
'You have no idea what a load this is off my shoulders. I'm so glad it's done.'
The weight of the world is finally off the shoulders of the nation's top high school football recruit.
Jackson Cantwell, the towering 6'8, 300 pound offensive tackle for Nixa High School, announced his commitment to play college football for the University of Miami.
Jackson Cantwell/Picks Miami:'There history with guys like Pine Sool, Francis Malinoa and some of thsoe guys from recent, It's a place I feel like I can develop and be something great.'
As the son of two shot put Olympians, his incredible size and strength came naturally, but becoming the top prospect for the class of 2026 came from unwavering effort.
'There's been many a five star that went into their senior year and was a worse football player than their junior year and even their sophomore year. The fact that we have the one that is gonna be better his senior year than his junior year tells you that they should create another level. He's a six-star in a five star world. We're blessed that he came through Nixa. I'm blessed to have coached him,' said Nixa football coach John Perry.
That same determination is what gives Cantwell confidence he'll have success at the next level.
'I love playing here in high school, I think I'll love playing in Coral Gables as well, I'm just glad I get that opportunity because it's very few and far between people to do', said Cantwell.
The soon to be senior says he will play this fall for Nixa, but then enroll early at Miami in January to begin his next step in his football journey.
Reporting in Nixa, Chris Pinson, Ozarks first.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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