Miami coach Mario Cristobal evaluates, offers 2025 Mater Dei linebacker: “Coach Cristobal is changing the program over there”
Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei three-star linebacker Abduall Sanders has begun to garner attention from top programs across the country after a strong start to his junior season, including Miami.
Last week, after watching Sanders practice, Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal offered the fast-rising junior, who was caught by surprise after receiving the news from his head coach Frank McManus.
“I was a little surprised, you know,” Sanders told CaneSport. “Our coaches told us someone from Miami was going to come to our practice, but we didn’t know who. Getting that offer from coach Cristobal just shows me that someone is recognizing my hard work. Sometimes you feel like it’s not paying off because some people aren’t noticing. For coach Cristobal to want to offer me, it’s showing me that someone sees.”
Before receiving the offer from Miami, the 6-foot-1, 205-pounder had not spoken to the Hurricanes, but he has had his eyes on the program and what they have been doing this season.
“Coach Cristobal is changing the program over there,” Sanders said. “Back in the old days, Miami was crazy good. Now he’s going over there to turn it back around with good recruiting and getting a lot of five-star commits. It’s a good thing.”
Although Miami is one of Sander’s latest offers, the No. 403 overall prospect in the 2025 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking says he could see himself playing in Coral Gables down the road.
“Of course,” he said. “Miami is known for producing great linebackers, especially on the interior. I would love to soak up some of that knowledge and learn from their coaches.”
Thus far, Sanders has earned other Power Five offers from the likes of Auburn, Michigan, Kansas, Oklahoma, Utah and UCLA. When looking into a program, education, and development on and off the field are Sanders’ top priorities.
“First off, education, of course, because that is key,” Sanders said. “I’m just looking for a coaching staff that can not only build me as a football player but also as a man in the world. Just a school that can get me right where I need to be, not just football.”
Sanders talks impressive junior season
This season, Sanders (who is the No. 38 overall linebacker in the 2025 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking) has been on a tear for Mater Dei. He averages over four tackles per game and more than one tackle for loss per game.
“This junior season has been great for me,” Sanders said. “I’m popping off a little, but differently than I had before. As a player, I’m just a downhill nose-to-the-ball linebacker. I’m coming down to head hunt once I read my keys and find my open gap or anything. I just want to come downhill and tackle.”
CaneSport’s take
Sanders has all the makings of a bigtime Power Five linebacker, and Cristobal and the Hurricanes have taken notice. While the offer may still be fresh, there is no denying Sanders’ interest in the program, as he hopes to visit Miami soon, which should bode well for both sides as they look to grow their relationship. “I just want a better relationship with the coaches and see how much they care for me,” Sanders says.
The post Miami coach Mario Cristobal evaluates, offers 2025 Mater Dei linebacker: “Coach Cristobal is changing the program over there” appeared first on On3.
