Anthony Chickillo
Tom Lemming photo
Despite overtures from Florida, Florida State, Georgia and South Florida,
Alonso (Tampa, Fla.) defensive end
Anthony Chickillo verbally committed to the University of Miami on Thursday.
And why wouldn’t he? It's in his DNA.
Not only did his father, Tony, play there, but so did his grandfather, Nick. Tony Chickillo was part of the great Hurricane teams in the early 1980s and went on to spend three years in the NFL. Nick Chickillo played at Miami in the early 1950s before going pro with the Chicago Cardinals.
A 6-foot-4, 235-pound speed rusher, Chickillo said the other schools treated him great but that his heart was set on Coral Gables.
"This was real emotional for me and my family," Chickillo said after his announcement, aired live in Tampa on Bright House Sports Network. "I'm just happy to get the decision over with. I'm happy to be a 'Cane.
"I’m going to come in and work hard and try to get a spot on the field. Miami is where I wanted to be. It’s where my heart is."
Despite a collarbone injury forcing him to miss half of his junior year, Chickillo still managed 12.5 sacks and more than 70 tackles in 2009. Chickillo has been ranked in the top 10 among defensive lineman prospects by several recruiting services.
This season, Alonso's defensive-minded first-year coach Lee Meitzler has Chickillo positioned all over the field so blockers can't key on him.
Chickillo has eight tackles, two blocked passes and an interception returned for a touchdown in two games this season.
