{"id":233018,"date":"2026-04-15T17:53:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T17:53:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/233018\/"},"modified":"2026-04-15T17:53:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T17:53:08","slug":"miamis-star-freshman-learned-quickly-its-either-sink-or-swim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/233018\/","title":{"rendered":"Miami’s Star Freshman Learned Quickly It’s Either “Sink or Swim”"},"content":{"rendered":"

CORAL GABLES \u2014 The Miami Hurricanes<\/a> have turned into an offensive lineman factory for the NFL and have produced one of the best lines in college football consistently over the past three seasons.<\/p>\n

It starts with recruiting, and head coach Mario Cristobal continues to be one of the best at getting those star linemen at Miami. <\/p>\n

It also helps that some of the top talent in the country want to be a part of that program and process. Jackson Cantwell was the No. 1 offensive lineman in the 2026 class, and Miami was the only place he knew he could perform the best. <\/p>\n

“You don\u2019t really think about any of the high school stuff once you get here,” Cantwell said. “It doesn\u2019t matter anymore. It\u2019s a new game\u2014new speed, new techniques, new expectations, more physicality. It\u2019s challenging, but I feel like my understanding of the game is improving, my technique is getting better, and I\u2019m starting to fit into the offense more. I just have to keep grinding through the rest of spring, the summer, and fall camp. I think I can make a big jump.”<\/p>\n

He was thrown into the fire instantly. Cantwell spent time with the National Championship-appearing team, which allowed him to grow.<\/p>\n

“They definitely threw me into the fire,” Cantwell said. “The biggest thing has been learning how to match the physicality. My pass protection has improved\u2014staying in front of defenders\u2014but my hands still need work. I\u2019ve gotten better with intentionality in practice, knowing what to focus on and what to look for on film. <\/p>\n

“Communication has been huge too. We do a lot with protections and identifying things in the run game, and it can change quickly. That\u2019s something I\u2019ve picked up on and improved steadily.”<\/p>\n

Moreover, because of that experience, Cantwell had time to adjust and be ready for this season. When Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor are coming at you every day at practice, you have to adjust in those shark-infested waters. <\/p>\n

“You\u2019re either going to sink or swim,” Cantwell said. “You\u2019ve got to step up or fall back. I just try to compete every day. I\u2019ve taken some lumps, but I feel like I\u2019m giving them back too. I\u2019m trying to keep applying pressure, especially against the defensive guys we have, and just be a functional part of the offense\u2014don\u2019t slow anything down. <\/p>\n

“They didn\u2019t ease me in at all. They just told me to go get it. But that\u2019s part of it. If you want to be great, you\u2019ve got to figure it out the hard way.”<\/p>\n

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