The Miami Hurricanes coaching staff and fans alike are buzzing with excitement as they celebrate a significant recruiting triumph ahead of their upcoming matchup against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. Class of 2025 sensation Armondo Blount, a five-star defensive lineman hailing from Miami (Fla.) Central High School, made the momentous decision to commit to the Hurricanes over football powerhouses such as Florida State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and USC.
Blount’s decision was not solely based on football prowess; it was a testament to the family culture that Miami and its exceptional recruiting staff have meticulously cultivated in Coral Gables. Spearheaded by the charismatic head coach, Mario Cristobal, and the dedicated defensive line coaches, Jason Taylor and Joe Salave’a, as well as analyst Edwin Pata, this culture of unity and camaraderie has set Miami apart from the competition.
One of the key factors in securing Blount’s commitment was the genuine and lasting relationship that the Miami coaching staff developed with him and his family over several years. Blount and his family visited the campus on multiple occasions, fostering a strong bond that ultimately tipped the scales in Miami’s favor.
Armondo Blount’s football journey has been nothing short of impressive. Even before transferring to Miami Central ahead of the 2023 season, Blount’s sophomore year in 2022 earned him the prestigious title of a MaxPreps Sophomore All-America selection at Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard High School. During this remarkable sophomore season, he amassed an astounding 30 tackles for loss and 16 sacks in just 11 games, a performance that propelled the Fort Lauderdale Dillard program deep into Florida’s 3M playoffs. His freshman year in 2021 was equally impressive, with Blount earning MaxPreps Freshman All-American honors, thanks in large part to his 13 sacks. His journey also included valuable experience alongside Miami DL signee Nyjalik Kelly during his time as an eighth-grader in 2020, when he competed on the varsity team at Fort Lauderdale Dillard.
Blount brings a unique set of skills to the Hurricanes. He’s known for being a twitched-up defensive lineman with elite shot put abilities, having been crowned Florida’s 3A state champion as a freshman and even earning the title of an AAU Junior Olympian. On the football field, Blount is a force to be reckoned with. His initial get-off and adept handwork allow him to win battles against offensive linemen, making him equally effective as both a 5 and 4i technique player. While he’s expected to settle in as an interior player at the college level, Blount has showcased his versatility by demonstrating the ability to rush from the edge and excel in 1-on-1 situations on the perimeter.
Armondo Blount’s commitment marks a significant addition to Miami’s 2025 recruiting class. He joins the likes of four-star wide receiver Waden Charles from Palm Beach (Fla.) Central High School, who recently committed to the Hurricanes, and four-star quarterback Luke Milton from Milton (Ga.) High School, who pledged his allegiance to Miami in August. The prospect of Blount reclassifying and potentially joining Miami’s 2024 recruiting class is still under consideration, adding another layer of intrigue to his future with the Hurricanes.
With Armondo Blount now in the fold, Miami’s 2025 recruiting class has surged from 14th in the nation to an impressive 6th place in the composite team rankings according to recruiting industry services. The commitment of this exceptional talent not only strengthens Miami’s football program but also underscores the university’s enduring appeal to rising stars in the world of college football. As the Hurricanes prepare to take on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, their recruiting victory with Armondo Blount serves as a testament to the bright future that awaits the Miami Hurricanes football program with Mario Cristobal at the helm.
