Alonzo Highsmith reveals why he decided to work with Mario Cristobal, Miami

Miami general manager of football operations Alonzo Highsmith and head coach Mario Cristobal have a lot in common. Both grew up in Miami, attended Miami Christopher Columbus for high school, suited up for the Hurricanes in college and won at least one national championship.

They were never teammates at the same time thanks to the five-year gap between the two until Cristobal hired Highsmith to his staff at Miami last year.

“I knew Mario from high school and he went to school here and we all go our separate ways,” Highsmith said recently. “But I knew Mario from the recruiting trail. I’ve heard what a relentless recruiter he is, his work ethic and his dedication to building programs. I had the opportunity to spend a great part of the day with him when he was at Alabama. We sat and talked. He told me the structure of Alabama, why Alabama is Alabama. Then I saw him go to Oregon. Then when he came to University of Miami, he called me and we talked and I thought it was a no brainer for myself.”

Highsmith had not coached or worked at the college level prior to being hired by Cristobal. He spent his post-football playing career working in front offices in the NFL.

But Highsmith said this opportunity was one he couldn’t pass up.

“I love the University of Miami but I also love pro football,” Highsmith said. “I enjoy pro football. That’s who I was: pro football. Being part of scouting, developing in Green Bay, Cleveland and Seattle…I only came back because of Mario. I came back because of his work ethic, how relentless he is and he understands what good players look like. He’s been around great players so it was a natural fit for me.”

Alonzo Highsmith believes in Mario Cristobal

Alonzo Highsmith might not have worked at the college level prior to his hiring last year but he has been around the game for decades. That time has given him perspective on what it takes to be successful, and he believes Mario Cristobal is the type of person who can be successful.

“The guy’s tireless,” Highsmith said. “I’m convinced of this: all the great programs, Urban Meyer’s and Nick Saban’s, their relentless workers. And if you’re not a relentless worker, you’re not going to succeed in college football, especially with the recruiting, the coaching and all that kind of stuff. No matter what you may think of all the bells and whistles, the most important part of football is player acquisition. We have to bring in better players.”

Highsmith views his role in helping Cristobal with that side of the equation by utilizing his talent evaluation skills to help find and bring in potentially great players to the program.

His previous experience at the NFL has led to great success, including a Super Bowl ring with the Packers. He hopes to add another ring to his collection in due time.

“In order for Miami to have an opportunity to play for a college national championship, we’re gonna have to have better players,” Highsmith said. “That’s the goal of our team. That’s the goal of every team in the nation. You got to get better players. I think my strength is understanding what great players look like. I’ve been scouting in the NFL for 24 years. I’ve been to every combine for the last 24 years. I’ve been God blessed to have scouted the Jon Beasons, the Vilmas and all these guys. I understand what good players look like.”