DJ Jacobs' scheduled trip to Miami is another example of Mario Cristobal playing chess

The reports that the Miami Hurricanes are fading for DJ Jacobs might be a little overstated. There's no question that Tennessee has emerged as another option for the Ohio State commit if he chooses to back away from his pledge to the Buckeyes, but his interest in the Hurricanes remains strong.

And that's why Mario Cristobal is playing an intriguing game of chess by bringing in the 5-star edge rusher for the September 26 game against Central Michigan.

DJ Jacobs will get the VIP treatment for his gameday visit to Miami

When you think about the other gameday visits Jacobs is taking — Ohio State vs. Oregon, Tennessee vs. LSU and Ohio State vs. Michigan are all on the schedule — why would Cristobal opt to bring Jacobs in for what should be a pretty routine Hurricanes win over a MAC opponent, especially when FSU-Miami on October 17th is still open?

But the primary train of thought is that there won't be as many marquee targets visiting for the Central Michigan game, but this could be a weekend where many of the local commits, like five-star pledges A'mir Sears and Nick Lennear, will attend the game with the goal of building their relationship with Jacobs and selling him on being part of the future of Miami football.

During the major recruiting weekends, like the FSU game, there are so many commits and targets and alums in town, it can be pretty overwhelming and tough for the off-field staff to balance attention between all the targets. By bringing in Jacobs for the game against the Chippewas, the staff can focus on Jacobs and make sure he gets the most out of his time at Hard Rock Stadium.

And if he has a great time on his trip, there's no reason that he wouldn't consider coming back in a few weeks for the FSU game when the atmosphere will be much more electric, even if the Seminoles have another dud of a season.

Is DJ Jacobs the final target for Miami in the 2027 class?

Miami is still trying to stay in the picture with a few top recruits that are pledged to other programs. Five-star offensive lineman Mark Matthews (Texas A&M commit) and five-star running back Kemon Spell (Georgia commit) are two other blue-chip prospects that the Hurricanes staff is trying to flip.

But Jacobs still feels like the best candidate to change his pledge. Miami was a favorite in his recruitment until Ohio State swooped in and got the commitment on December 29.  That was a disappointing day, but Cristobal hasn't given up on the chase, and now he has the opportunity to make Jacobs' recruitment the focus on a game weekend. 

It's a crafty move that may pay off in the end.

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