Hurricanes targeting state champions from St. Thomas Aquinas, West Boca Raton

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MIAMI — Julius Jones made one of the best plays Pitbull Stadium has seen all year.

The junior St. Thomas Aquinas wide receiver went deep down the field, managed the defensive back interfering with him and brought in a one-handed catch to put the Raiders in the red zone.

“It was a good catch, and it was a great ball too,” Jones said. “(Quarterback Mason Mallory) put it right there where I should have got it and it was (pass interference), but you come out here, (you have) got to make plays.”

Jones is one of several 2027 prospects from the state-champion Raiders — who won their seventh-straight state title and Florida-record 17th championship — who Miami will likely target in the next recruiting class.

Jones, a four-star prospect according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, is a Notre Dame legacy. His father, former NFL running back Julius Jones, played for the Fighting Irish. But the younger Jones was not surprised to see Miami get the nod over Notre Dame in the playoffs.

“It wasn’t too shocking because it was really up and down,” Jones said. “And honestly, I’m surprised that they were in it to begin with just because they lost to Miami. But it was really neck and neck. I wanted to see them in it just to see Jeremiyah Love go get the Heisman.”

Jones, who had seven catches for a team-high 127 yards on Thursday, does have the Hurricanes in the mix at this point in his recruitment along with Notre Dame, Oregon, Oklahoma, Florida and FSU.

“I love Miami,” Jones said. “Staying home won’t sound too bad. Get to eat some of my mom’s food a little bit more than going around to Oregon, but it’s great. I love everybody over there. They’re doing a really good job with just letting me be part of their family. And I appreciate everything that they’re doing.

He also has a potential career template on the sideline to look up to: St. Thomas Aquinas, Miami and NFL legend Michael Irvin was on the sideline, watching his alma mater win another state title.

“I’m a die-hard Cowboys fan,” said Jones, who is the No. 10 wide receiver in the class. “My dad played for the Cowboys. It’s crazy. (Irvin) came up to me (at the) Heritage game last year, told me that’s what big-time players do. I still remember it to this day, but I don’t get starstruck like that. But seeing Michael Irvin come out here and watch us play, it’s just amazing.”

Five-star offensive lineman high on ‘Canes

St. Thomas Aquinas five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews said the Hurricanes’ history of developing high-level offensive linemen has caught his eye.

“It starts with their O-line coach,” Matthews said Thursday of Alex Mirabal. “He’s produced greatness in the NFL. He’s produced a bunch of good guys. He produced a first-rounder this year. Coach Mirabal is a real-deal guy, in my opinion.”

Matthews, who is listed as the No. 2 prospect in the 2027 class, is considering both UM and Texas A&M, and he is excited to see who wins that playoff game.

“It’s going to be a good game,” Matthews said. “We’re gonna see who comes out on top. We’ll see the greater team. Miami’s got a great D-line, a great (offensive line). It’s gonna be a trenches game, in my opinion.”

Matthews said he plans to take a spring visit to UM.

“I want to see how they coach, especially with a bunch of the new guys coming,” Matthews said. “I know some of them guys, so it’s going to be so cool seeing some of them cats practicing at the college level.”

Hurricanes signee Javian Mallory wins second title

Miami running back signee Javian Mallory ended his high-school career with a bang, scoring three touchdowns and getting named MVP of the Class 6A title game on Friday.

“It’s a great feeling,” Mallory said. “But like I said, I’ve still got more things to accomplish in life.”

Mallory, who was one of UM’s longest-tenured commits and signed during the Early Signing Period, ended the game with 117 yards on 18 carries, including a 50-yard touchdown run.

“I’m very excited to get down there January 10th and get to work A.S.A.P.,” Mallory said.

Gamble intrigued by idea to stay home

St. Thomas four-star safety Zayden Gamble has numerous schools recruiting him, but the thought of playing close to home at Miami is an intriguing one.

“It’s home,” Gamble said. “I grew up watching them and I’m … so thankful that I’m able to be recruited by a team that I grew up watching.”

Gamble had four tackles, a tackle for loss and an interception in Thursday’s win. He is listed as the No. 23 safety in the class. He said Georiga Tech, Notre Dame, LSU, Auburn and Miami are some of the teams standing out to him.

Miami among Jamar Thompson’s favorites

West Boca Raton 2027 defensive tackle Jamar Thompson had three tackles and a sack in the Bulls’ win on Friday.

The up-and-coming defensive lineman counts Miami, Nebraska and Ole Miss among his preferred teams right now.

Thompson, the No. 9 defensive tackle in the class, said he has been building his relationship with UM defensive line coaches Damione Lewis and Jason Taylor, among others.

“(Miami is) just on top of everything,” Thompson said. “Miami’s just a really great program, and I like what they’re doing.”

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