On Monday, Christopher Columbus’s three-star offensive lineman Ryan Rodriguez announced his commitment to the Miami Hurricanes.
Rodriguez, (6-foot-3, 280 lbs) is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 6 center in the nation and 75th best player in Florida. His commitment lands coach Manny Diaz his 13th player in the class of 2021.
“Manny Diaz and the staff have done a great job of making me feel like family,” Rodriguez told 305Sports. “They’ve done great and explaining how I can play and fit at UM.”
Rodriguez holds offers from numerous schools including Wake Forest, Louisville, and Florida Atlantic, but ultimately chose to play for his hometown team.
“It’s home and it’s where I’m most comfortable,” Rodriguez said. “Every Miami national championship team has had a Columbus lineman… so I’m ready to get to work.”
Rodriguez served as an integral piece to Columbus’ 8A state championship run, defeating Apopka in a 21-20 victory back in December.
His ability to be an anchor at left tackle last season helped Columbus and Ole Miss signee running back Henry Parish total 2,300-yards rushing. Rodriguez’s impressive junior year earned him First Team All-State and First Team All-Dade (8A-6A) honors.
Miami’s ‘Junior Day’ was a great opportunity for Rodriguez to see the lifestyle of being a Hurricane.
“Junior Day was great. “They sat me down with coach Justice and really talked about the bigger picture than just committing and playing football. Also, the new facilities are beautiful.”
Ryan’s decision to commit early comes amid the ongoing pandemic. “Due to Covid-19, I don’t know if I’ll be able to visit schools until the beginning of my senior season… I wanted to secure a spot somewhere I know I fit, can win and help me grow as a person.”
Rodriguez becomes Miami’s 13th commit for the class of 2021. After landing verbal commitments from three-star Chaminade-Madonna Prep defensive lineman Allan Haye and Fort Myers Bishop Verot three-star athlete Malik Curtis, the Canes currently hold the No. 10 recruiting class in the country.
