Miami's history has 4-star DL Jalen Wiggins intrigued early on: "Miami is a team that can develop you and get you to the NFL"
In the early stages of his recruitment process, the Miami Hurricanes have the attention of Tallahassee (Fla.) James Rickards four-star defensive lineman Jalen Wiggins, and a big reason for that is their rich history.
The Florida native, who has seen his recruitment take off since the start of 2023, has Miami among his top schools for a few reasons, but what they’ve done in the past is what makes the Hurricanes a program he is seriously considering.
“What stands out about Miami to me is the history,” Wiggins told CaneSport. “I know about the defenses they’ve had in the past and that’s always stood out to me. Miami is a team that can develop you and get you to the NFL.”
Thus far, Wiggins, who is the No. 63 overall prospect in the 2025 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, has built a strong relationship with Hurricanes defensive line coach Joe Salave’a, who has made the journey up to Tallahassee twice this year to watch him live.
“He was the first person from Miami to come meet me at my school, and that’s who I really talk with,” Wiggins said. “He’s a big guy, so I know he’s the real deal. He’s very honest, and I like that.”
The 6-foot-5, 235-pound defender, who boasts a handful of Power Fiver offers, has also been in contact with fellow defensive line coach Jason Taylor and believes that, under the guidance of the NFL Hall Of Famer, he could one day reach those same levels of success that Taylor had during his playing career.
“I think that’s actually one of my biggest takeaways about Miami,” Wiggins said. “That’s a big thing you have to think about because people who have been in the NFL know what it takes to get there too. You can learn and grow from that as well.”
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So far in his recruitment process, Wiggins says that programs such as Miami, FSU, Florida and UCF are at the top of his list.
According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Gators are the early favorites to land Wiggins’ pledge, leading all schools with a 59% probability, but he says he is in no rush and is looking forward to enjoying the process ahead.
As far as Miami is concerned, the Florida native is hoping to make his way down to Coral Gables for the first time in the coming months.
“I haven’t been to Miami yet, but I want to plan a visit,” Wiggins said. “I just want to see how the relationships go in person. Facilities and stuff can always change, but relationships and education are things I always look at. If football doesn’t go the right way, you always want to have a backup plan and things like that.”
CaneSport’s take
Wiggins rapidly established himself as an athlete to watch in the Sunshine State after a sophomore season in which he finished with 70 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks, and the Hurricanes have taken note. While it’s great to hear that a prospect loves what your program has done in the past, it’s equally vital to demonstrate what you can do for them in the future. If Miami can do so and continue producing high-level defensive linemen, they should have a legitimate shot at not only Wiggins, but some of the best defensive linemen in the country.
