Normally the old saying is 'Father knows best', but when it came to Mario Cristobal recruiting Malachi Toney, the Miami head coach has to credit his son.
Toney, who played high school football at American Heritage in Broward County, Florida, was known by the nickname 'Baby Jesus'. And Toney was one of those must-see players in high school along the lines of Tyrone Moss and Frank Gore. He was such an attraction, that Cristobal's son asked to skip school to see him play.
Malachi Toney aka “Baby Jesus” had Mario Cristobal’s son wanting to skip school to watch him play
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) October 8, 2025
Full Episode —> https://t.co/AQU2BWlyoQ pic.twitter.com/FwQYCO0OkA
First, how many kids actually ask their parents to skip school? Back in my day we just did it and dared you to catch us. It's one of those things that was a lot easier before the advent of the smartphone.
Cristobal took his son's advice
Anyway, Cristobal decided he had to see 'Baby Jesus' for himself and the rest is history. Toney committed to the Hurricanes in the summer of 2023. Before heading to the 'U', Toney completed his high school career by winning a state championship.
"In high school, their quarterback got hurt, and I think they were 4-2. They were kind of questionably making the playoffs and making a run," Cristobal said. "They put him at quarterback and they won the state title. In the state title game, I think he was 15-of-15 for 250 yards."
In actuality, Toney completed his first15 passes, but finished 15-of-18 for 188 yards and a touchdown in the Class 4A championship game against Orlando Jones. He also rushed for a touchdown. But the point remains, because that was all Cristobal needed to see and now Toney is one of the top freshman in the country.
Through 3 quarters, American Heritage QB Malachi Toney (@CanesFootball signee) is 15 of 15 for 188 yards and a TD. Has a QBR of 227.3. Also has a rushing TD.@MALACHITONEY2 pic.twitter.com/0n5rx2Ofga
— Jon Santucci (@JonSantucci) December 14, 2024
And Cristobal adds that Toney's success hasn't come without great effort and a commitment to the program. He's another example of the culture at Miami, one that appears headed for a championship.
"This is the best part about the guy...the guy is an ultimate professional. He's in here as early as anybody or earlier. He stays late. His work ethic is inside. He does the things of a six-year NFL pro," Cristobal concluded.