OnTheTrail… Defensive Back

We’re back again with an update report on Miami’s 2026 recruiting efforts.

The Canes currently have 22 verbal commitments in the 2026, ranking the class at #12 in the nation and #1 in the ACC.

Miami has major needs at defensive line, defensive back, and wide receiver. The staff is also looking to bolster the depth at running back and linebacker.

At this time, eight defensive back prospects are reportedly still in serious conversation with Miami. All are committed to other schools. That hasn’t stopped Mario Cristobal and his elite recruiting staff from from keeping the fires hot in households across the country.

DEFENSIVE BACK:

DB Justice Fitzpatrick*          


Hometown:  Fort Lauderdale, FL     School: St. Thomas Aquinas

HT: 6'-0.5"    |   WT:  185     |   Offers: 43   |   Rating:  98   |   Pos. Rank:  4  |  Overall Rank:  44
Status: COMMITTED |  Top Tier:  UGA commit


OV: 6/6/25  | UOV: 9/9/23


Summary: Will attend Miami-ND game | Multi-sport athlete (track); 11.00 (2.6) in the 100, 22.06 (1.2) in the 200 and 53.63 in the 400. |  2023: 13 tackles, 2 INT and 2 PBU  |  Long relationship with Cristobal. There are reports that Miami has circled back to Justice and the lines of communication are open. He attended the Miami-Notre Dame game. The Canes are playing the long game in his recruitment.

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S Devin Jackson*                                

Hometown:  Orlando, FL            School: First Academy     

HT: 6'-2" | WT: 195  |  Offers: 44 |  Rating: 93 |  Pos. Rank: 16 |  Overall Rank: 174

Status:  COMMITTED   |  Top Tier: Oregon commit

OV:           UOV: 3/18/25, 3/3/25

Summary: 2024: 80 tackles, 7 PBU, 2 INT, 2 FR and 1 FF. Recruited by Will Harris while at Florida. Another earlier target at safety. Miami still wants Devin but it will be tough pulling him away from the Ducks. Still, we are talking about Mario Cristobal.

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S Ayden Pouncey*          

Hometown:  Winter Park, FL             School: Winter Park               

HT: 6’-2.5" | WT: 160  |  Offers: 47  |  Rating: 94  |  Pos. Rank: 10 |  Overall Rank: 144

Status:  COMMITTED   |  Top Tier: Notre Dame commit

OV:           UOV: 4/0/25, 6/22/23

Summary: Lanky deep safety prospect with his range and ball skills. Needs time in strength and condition program to gain mass. Given the Irish struggles this season the door may be cracked open for Miami to get back in his recruitment.

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S Tyriq Green*                                 

Hometown:  Buford, GA             School:   Buford               

HT: 5’-11.5" | WT: 195  |  Offers: 53 |  Rating: 93 |  Pos. Rank: 9 ATH |  Overall Rank: 179

Status:  COMMITTED   |  Top Tier:  Georgia

OV:  6/6-8/25         UOV: 3/18/25

Summary: Versatile back-end defensive player who could play either safety or corner. Reports indicate Green and Miami still communicating.

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CB JJ Dunnigan*       

Hometown: Manhattan, KS              School: Manhattan                 

HT: 6'-2" | WT: 185  |  Offers: 18 |  Rating: 93 |  Pos. Rank:15 CB  |  Overall Rank: 148

Status: COMMITTED   |  Top Tier:  Kansas commit

OV:  ———         UOV: ———

Summary: Multi-sport athlete (football, basketball, track) In 2024 - 65 tackles, 6 PBU, 3 INT and 2 FF. Brings length/speed combo with burst to develop into a safety with the range and eyes to close passing lanes. A long shot but worth the effort.

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S Jowell Combay*                             

Hometown:  Marietta, GA             School:  Kell                       

HT: 6'-1" | WT: 192  |  Offers:  |  Rating: 88  |  Pos. Rank: 42  |  Overall Rank:  574

Status:  COMMITTED   |  Top Tier:  Tennessee commit

OV:    ---       UOV: ---

Summary: Instinctive safety who should be viewed as a Power Four caliber starting safety prospect. Miami still has communication but must get him to visit. It will be a tough pull from the Vols.

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S Markell Taylor *                            

Hometown:  Dallas, GA             School:  North Paulding                 

HT: 6'-1"  |  WT:  190 |  Offers: 23  |  Rating: 87 |  Pos. Rank: 50 |  Overall Rank:  681

Status:  COMMITTED   |  Top Tier:  Cincinnati commit

OV:  ---         UOV: ---

Summary: Markell’s recruitment is not over. Georgia is also pressing. Canes must get him to campus.

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S Jamar Owens*                                

Hometown:  Douglasville, GA             School: Douglas County     

HT: 6'-0" | WT: 175  |  Offers: 46  |  Rating: 87 |  Pos. Rank:  70  |  Overall Rank: 788

Status: COMMITTED   |  Top Tier:  Indiana commit

OV:  ---         UOV: ---

Summary:  Miami offered in January. | Standout at OT7 Finals in Fort Lauderdale in July | former teammate of Cortez Redding and Miami CB commit Jontavius Wyman at Jonesboro.

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BOTTOM LINE:

Miami is still in the hunt for a safety to pair with commit Cortez Redding. Mario and his staff will be relentless until pen meets paper.

GO CANES!