Commitment Breakdown: Rivals100 DE Nyjalik Kelly to Miami
To win consistently in the ACC, a monster defense that can attack with unrelenting pressure is needed. The Miami Hurricanes took a big step towards constructing that caliber of defense when four-star defensive end Nyjalik Kelly picked them over four others including Florida State.
WHAT THE HURRICANES ARE GETTING
Rolling to a 10-2 season in 2021 against 7A Florida teams, Dillard High School’s defense was suffocating holding the opposition to 8.16 points per game on average. The anchor of that defense was Kelly. Rushing the passer from both the right and left side, Kelly was able to neutralize offensive tackles on passing downs while squeezing run plays inside for his linebackers. Kelly may specialize in rushing the passer, but he will be an every down end for the Hurricanes.
WHAT MAKES NIJALIK KELLY DIFFERENT
There is a quick twitch part of the game that elite players have, and Kelly has it. His get off puts offensive tackles behind from the snap of the ball and his quickness makes even the best drilled tackles look slow-footed with their kick steps and shuffles. Because of his speed, he can dip blockers closing the pocket in a heartbeat.
Kelly’s size, speed, and wingspan will help him become an All-ACC caliber player. Even though he has a great physical construct already, his frame will allow for the addition of weight where he can transition into a true strongside end after developing more in Miami’s weight room.
WHY THIS IS BIG FOR MIAMI
When Miami has been at the peak of their game bringing home national championships, recruiting South Florida has been the reason. The Hurricanes started the week with eight commits ranked 62nd nationally. In quick work, coach Mario Cristobal and his staff have given reason for local talent to stay home to represent their communities with pride.
Focusing on recruiting circles, from Aug. 2020 to March 2021, Kelly was a Florida State verbal commit. On Dec. 11, Kelly posted his Top Five listing Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Florida and Auburn. Keeping high-profile recruits like Kelly away from in-state powers, especially FSU, are the battles coach Cristobal will have to win to be successful at Miami.