Antione Jackson had East Carolina hat on table but signs with Miami: Says decision was made Tuesday and “I’m coming in ready to work”
SIGNEES (with link to feature story on each): Francis Mauigoa … Damari Brown … Christopher Johnson … Antione Jackson … Collins Acheampong … Kaleb Spencer … Riley Williams … Samson Okunlola … Robby Washington … Bobby Washington … Rueben Bain … Mark Fletcher … Malik Bryant … Jackson Carver … Emory Williams … Antonio Tripp … Marcellius Pulliam … Jayden Wayne … Frankie Tinilau … Joshua Horton … Raul Aguirre … Robert Stafford … Tommy Kinsler … Ray Ray Joseph … Australian P Dylan Joyce
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Ft. Lauderdale Dillard CB Antione Jackson was excited to get to the next level. So much so that he reclassified from the Class of 2024 into this year’s Miami Hurricanes class.
But reclassifying didn’t mean Jackson didn’t want to have some fun late in the process, either. He took va visit two weekends ago to East Carolina (where his girlfriend committed), but wasn’t swayed. He visited Miami last weekend and now has signed with the Canes – he had two hats on the table at his announcement but was all UM. Jackson told CaneSport after signing that the decision was made last night.
He’ll arrive on campus this summer and looks forward to a bright future.
The standout flipped his Georgia commitment to UM July 2 and stuck by it.
“I’m a Miami fan, since I was a kid being a Hurricanes was something I wanted,” Jackson says. “There’s nothing like the crib. I love the campus, I love the coaches’ energy, just the defense they run, everything.
“I just wanted to get somewhere that developed me the best, that’s why I flipped (from Georgia). Once Miami got in the right position, it’s Miami, like I always wanted to go to Miami.”
As for why he wanted to reclassify to 2023?
“I do feel it would be better to be in college compared to staying in high school when it comes to reaching my maximum potential,” Jackson said. “If I go to college and even if I don’t get on the field early I still get developed early and my time will come.”
Miami coaches originally offered Jackson Jan. 28, but less than two months later he committed to the Bulldogs. Things started to shift for Jackson in April, as UM continued the chase and he got on campus two days after attending the Hurricanes’ spring game. He also worked out with coaches at Legends Camp June 25. Even though he waited until July to flip, Jackson says he knew he’d be a Cane in April.
DB coach Jahmile Addae played a big role in that.
“We built that bond, they made me feel like home,” Jackson said. “Coach Addae, all the defensive staff were great. They just told me they can get me where I need to be.”
Jackson also has family ties to Miami. His cousin ran track at UM, and his uncle, Dwayne Wimbley, played basketball for Miami.
“I had grown only knowing Miami football,” Jackson said.” “Watching my uncle play basketball and watching my cousin run track it was just crazy how they killed it. So this is a dream come true.”
So what have the Canes landed here? For that we turn to Dillard coach Tyler Tate.
”(Former Cane) Artie Burns, he reminds me of him,” Tate says. “That’s a great comparison. … He’s extremely long, also has great feet and hips for a taller kid.”
Jackson’s goals at Miami?
“My goal is to be a top player at the next level, just make it to the NFL,” Jackson said. “I’m coming into play. I’m not coming in to sit the bench. I’m focused on getting better. … I’m coming in ready to work.
“We’re coming in to win, and we’re coming in hungry.”
