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Building an elite offensive line for the future is near the top of the priority list for every recruiting cycle for every college program in America, and the Miami Hurricanes are no different. For the 2022 recruiting class, UM has one of the top lineman prospects in the country right in their backyard, 5-star offensive tackle Julian Armella out of Columbus High School in Miami.
Top 10 ‼️ @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/QilvMTtxdq
— Julian Armella (@ArmellaJulian) June 10, 2020
Armella has been the name to know for Canes fans when it comes to offensive lineman in this upcoming cycle for two reasons. One, he’s an unbelievable talent at one of the most important positions on the football field, and two, he’s right here in South Florida.
Gulliver Prep 2022 5 ⭐️ OL Julian Armella @ArmellaJulian transfers to Columbus @ColumbusFtball. Armella (6’6 305) is one of the top prospects in the country & holds 35 offers. He recently announced a Top 10 that was filled w/ blue blood programs. Huge pickup for the State Champs.
— The Crib South Florida (@TheCribSouthFLA) June 22, 2020
If you ask me, OL coach Garin Justice pulled off an incredible recruiting haul for the 2021 class, when you look at guys like Ryan Rodriguez, Michael McLaughlin and Laurence Seymore. Plus, Miami added OT Issiah Walker Jr. from the transfer portal.
One unit I’m very excited about.
— 4’s Up Podcast (@4sUpPodcast) October 29, 2020
Ryan Rodriguez, Laurence Seymore, Issiah Walker and Michael McLaughlin.
Canes future OL looks good pic.twitter.com/JP5MqsidjT
Looking ahead to 2022, Justice and the rest of the Canes staff look to add even more talent to the offensive line, and Armella is viewed as perhaps the top target.
South Florida Made! @ArmellaJulian
— Canes Chief (@Canes_Chief) January 20, 2021
M-I-A-M-I
7️⃣7️⃣
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ pic.twitter.com/M0XuOnJjmD
247 Sports has Armella listed as the #14 offensive tackle in the 2022 cycle, #16 player in the state of Florida, and #133 player nationally for his class. Armella has been invited to play in the All-American Bowl following his senior season, which is held in San Antonio.
I want to give all the homage to the man above Committed to the 2022 All-American Bowl ! @cchsballcoach @CColumbuspride pic.twitter.com/ATJ0ReF5Ka
— Julian Armella (@ArmellaJulian) January 21, 2021
Armella started as a sophomore at South Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, helping them capture a state championship. Prior to his junior year, Armella transferred to Columbus High School in Dade County, where he was a first-team All-State selection by MaxPreps in 2020.
Will Columbus repeat as State Champions with the duo of Ryan Rodriguez and Julian Armella? @dsbg_ryan @ArmellaJulian pic.twitter.com/Lss5dzS91Q
— 305 Sports (@305Sportss) June 22, 2020
2022 St. Thomas Aquinas Julian Armella (OL) showing why he is one of the most dominant linemen in the country in the class of 2022. “He requested a reservation to meet Mr. Armella in the trenches” #beast #rivalscampseries #trenches Let’s Go Get It...!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/fiGGXAIoaX
— gogetityft (@gogetityft) February 11, 2020
As a player who’s responsible for protecting his quarterbacks blindside at left tackle, Armella has great technique at the position, with hands ready to strike and keeping his elbows in. He has very smooth footwork, and moves with great agility, your prototypical left tackle in college football.
Dominant play like this is why Miami has made 2022 OT Julian Armella (@ArmellaJulian) an early priority
— Rivals (@Rivals) February 12, 2020
So what does he think of Manny Diaz's potential to turn the program around? @rivalswoody spoke with him and several others about the Canes coach: https://t.co/YofXQofvHA pic.twitter.com/0zglBMfAuN
At 6-6 and weighing 300 pounds, Armella is a physical monster, and plays with extreme intensity on the line. After studying his film, I’m really impressed by Armella as a run blocker, demolishing defensive lineman with force, keeping his feet moving at all times during the play.
@STA_Football was well represented at the UA Miami camp w/ a lot talent competing including 2022 OT Julian Armella who measured in 6-5 1/4 321. @ArmellaJulian @TheUCReport @HamiltonESPN @DemetricDWarren pic.twitter.com/YH3F4VjgSY
— Craig Haubert (@CraigHaubert) March 9, 2020
Armella has plenty of room to grow, and much to improve on, but his natural ability cannot be understated.
With this kind of talent and being at left tackle, Armella is being looked at by schools all around college football. An important note in his recruitment, Armella is an FSU legacy, with his father having played in Tallahassee, so the Seminoles are going to be one of the biggest threats in landing him.
#TNM ? pic.twitter.com/yCR1xr0a15
— Julian Armella (@ArmellaJulian) December 15, 2020
One thing that definitely is working in Miami’s favor, is that teammate at Columbus, and 2021 UM signee Ryan Rodriguez, developed a bond with Armella during this past season, and it’s been said he’s trying to help recruit Armella for the Hurricanes.