4-star safety Hylton Stubbs commits to Miami: 'The vibe at Miami is great; everyone seems determined to win'

Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin safety Hylton Stubbs committed to USC on March 24. The four-star decommitted from the Trojans on June 27. In between, he took official visits to USC, Florida and Miami, in that order. Miami started their move in the spring and that last visit helped push the Hurricanes to that top and land his commitment.

“I felt Miami could be the one for me when they visited my school in the spring to see me and Jamie Ffrench,” Stubbs told On3. “They showed strong interest, and my dad and I reviewed the depth chart and saw a chance to play early. Miami’s defensive line and overall front seven look really good; they have some studs up front. Miami made a big push after the spring visit, the during the official visit.”

Florida gave Stubbs a lot to think about too. The Gators are not going to go away, but Miami staff made a big impact on his decision.

“This decision was very tough. Florida, Miami and USC have supported me from the start, but I chose Miami because I believe in coach Mario Cristobal’s leadership and mature staff. I think they will prepare me best for the NFL. Miami’s large market can help build my brand too. The coaching team, including coach Lance Guidry, Chevis Jackson, Jason Taylor, Derek Nicholson, Mike Rumph, and Marc St. Felix, work well together and have strong relationships.

“Coach Guidry has a proven track record as a safeties coach and brought he coach Jackson with him from Marshall. He is not only a great coach, but an excellent teacher. It feels like they’re planning to make me the next great safety at Miami.

“They also have a great relationship with my high school head coach, Toby Bullock, and my teammate Deryc Plazz has been raving about Miami and recruiting me from the start.”

Stubbs is excited about the future under Cristobal at Miami

The staff did a great job of recruiting Stubbs. Cristobal and the staff at Miami recruited the No. 56 prospect in the On3 Recruiting Ranking along with those close to him.

“This commitment feels different because Miami communicates well with my parents, making this a family decision,” Stubbs said.

He is his family feel good in Coral Gables.

“The vibe at Miami is great; everyone seems determined to win. I’ve been there a lot, having camped there in 8th, 9th, and 10th grade, and I have visited three times recently. When I’m there, it feels like they’re planning to make me the next great safety at Miami. I’ll be back for the BBQ at the end of July.”

Cristobal is the leader of the program and the new commit is excited about playing for a guy who once battled and won championships at Miami.

“Coach Cristobal is well-respected and a true Miami guy. I believe he will stay with Miami for a long time. He reminds me of my own family in how he treats and interacts with his family. He’s also great at spotting talent and recruiting players who I think are better than their rankings, like Elijah Melendez, Chris Ewald, and Amari Wallace.”