Live From The Crib: Update on top local Miami commits and recruits
Friday night at Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium, two of the most storied high school programs in South Florida – Miami Central, and Booker T. Washington – duked it out for 48 minutes in front of an electric crowd under the lights. After a hard-fought battle between the two sides, the Rockets were able to hold off the Tornadoes to secure a 38-28 victory over their fierce rival.
Throughout the matchup, multiple Miami recruits made their presence felt, but it was 2025 Miami Central five-star defensive lineman Armondo Blount who may have had the biggest impact of them all.
The 6-foot-3.5 250-pounder was a force up front for the Rockets defense all night long. With Booker T. Washington threatening to take the lead in the third quarter, trailing 24-21, the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking picked up a fumble and ran it back for six, which swung momentum back the Rockets way and also shut down the Tornadoes comeback chances.
“When I got the ball, all I was thinking was that I had to score,” Blount told CaneSport following the contest. “There was a man coming, so I was about to stiff-arm him, but he was trying to chop me, so I just thought, ‘God, don’t let me fall’. But I was just like, I just got to get into that touchdown.”
Blount, who has become one of the most sought-after 2025 prospects in the country, will be on hand at Hard Rock Stadium Saturday for Miami’s game against Texas A&M. Throughout the summer, Blount visited Coral Gables and the Hurricanes a handful of times as the two sides continued to grow their relationship.
“The Hurricanes are starting something new, and they’re bringing in the South Florida guys, and they’re keeping the guys home,” Blount said. “I’m very excited to come see that.”
As far as the matchup, Blount could not give a final score prediction, but he does know what he will be looking out for throughout the contest.
“I want to see the defensive line,” Blount said. “I want to see how they attack the game, their hand placement, and the improvement that they’ve had.”
Notable performers
Miami (Fla.) Central 2025 four-star safety Amari Wallace
Wallace, who is the No. 173 overall prospect in the 2025 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, was a force for the Rockets in the secondary all Friday night. The 5-foot-11,170-pound prospect showcased his versatility in coverage and ability to make open field tackles on a consistent basis.
“I’ll be there and hopefully see Miami bring home a win,” Wallace said when asked about the Hurricanes matchup against Texas A&M. “I’m really trying to see some progress this season. I really want to see if Miami is back again.”
“My relationship with the coaching staff is good,” Wallace added. “I talk to coach Cristobal and all the coaches. We’re really building our relationship more and more.”
Miami (Fla.) Central 2025 four-star LB Ezekiel Marcelin
Like both Blount and Wallace, Marcelin will be one of the many recruits at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“I want to see what Miami can do,” Marcelin said. “All my guys are over there, and I feel like they’re going to help Miami win that game.”
Since earning an offer from the Hurricanes over a year ago, the four-star linebacker, who is the No. 302 overall prospect in his class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, has seen communication from the program amplify since the start of the fall.
“I talk to them every day, and they text me every day,” Marcelin added. “They treat me like family over there.”
Miami Booker T. Washington 2025 four-star CB Ben Hanks Jr. and four-star S Antonio Branch Jr.
In the Tornadoes’ secondary, Hanks and Branch makeup not only one of the best cornerback-safety duos in South Florida but potentially the country. Despite a slow start to the contest after falling behind early, the tandem showcased their immense talents in the secondary after a strong second half performance. The Hurricanes have been in frequent contact with the four-star defensive backs who are set to attend Miami’s dual against Texas A&M as well.
“Miami is the hometown team,” Hanks previously said. “It is great weather, great coaches and Coach Mario Cristobal is a great guy. They really want the Miami guys to stay home and help them get back to the top. It would be a great situation down there because it is close to home.”
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