Miami targeting 3-star Joseph Ionata as a top center target in 2024 class

Miami is aggressively pursuing Clearwater (Fla.) Cavalry Christian three-star offensive lineman Joseph Ionata, and his coach told CaneSport that per Alex Mirabal he’s at the top of the Canes’ wishlist as a center.

Mirabal was in Clearwater Friday and watched Ionata take snaps at center, although he currently primarily plays left tackle for Cavalry Christian. Ionata has locked in an official visit to Miami June 22-25.

“(Mirabal) has told me that he’s the No. 1 guy they want to recruit at center,” Crume said. “He loves the way he bends and moves, but most importantly he loves his high ceiling. He hasn’t played football for four full years yet. So you think about the development that he’s going to continue to have — he hasn’t even tapped into his full potential yet. I think that’s what has them excited and why they want to recruit him.”

Miami has been the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine’s overwhelming favorite to land Ionata since CaneSport projected the 6-foot-4, 260-pound lineman to Miami March 31. Ionata has continued to speak glowingly of the Canes throughout his recruitment although Florida, Ole Miss and Georgia Tech are also in pursuit. Ionata has been hesitant to name a clear frontrunner.

The On3 Industry Ranking lists Ionata as the No. 69 interior offensive lineman with a grade of 86.00. Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, Georgia Tech and Virginia plan to visit Cavalry Christian during the evaluation period as well.

Ionata visited Miami for the first time March 25 and raved about his time on campus. He also visited Florida twice this spring and Georgia, Georgia Tech and Ole Miss once each.

Ionata should have no trouble moving to interior OL at Miami, other programs

Crume added he doesn’t think Ionata will struggle moving from offensive tackle in high school to the interior of the offensive line after his senior season.

“They can always slide outside in. It’s harder to slide inside out,” Crume said. “I’ve got confidence Joe can do that. He’s already working on that. He’s been working on understanding some schools view him as a potential center at the next level as well. Joe’s not closed off to that idea, and I think he’s embraced that’s likely a reality for him at the next level.

“But if that doesn’t so happen to work out, everyone knows Joe can slide out and play guard or tackle. I think that’s why he’s such a sought-after prospect. I think Joe’s a versatile guy.”

Crume said he felt Mirabal liked what he saw Friday but didn’t have a chance to catch up with the coach after.

CaneSport’s Take

We knew Miami was going to take a center in this year’s recruiting class after unexpectedly losing Connor Lew in last year’s class, and it looks like the Canes think they’ve found their guy in Ionata.

Both sides have very strong interest, and Miami’s full offensive line staff has prioritized regular check-ins and group FaceTimes with the three-star.

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