In Nixa, Missouri, five-star offensive line prospect Jackson Cantwell is facing an important decision as he approaches his college recruitment deadline. Ranked as the nation’s top prospect, Cantwell is well aware that just because he is highly ranked does not guarantee a future in the NFL. “You’re not a guaranteed thing,” he stated, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of college football and the injuries that can occur. Instead, he aims to choose a school that will best prepare him for his professional aspirations.
One of the top contenders for Cantwell’s commitment is the University of Georgia. Under head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have made a strong impression on the offensive lineman. “What you can do is earn a starting position at a school like that,” Cantwell noted. He believes that starting at a competitive program like Georgia will give him a better shot at the NFL, primarily because of the caliber of talent required to play there.
Throughout his recruitment journey, Cantwell has visited the Georgia campus multiple times and has been impressed with its track record of developing professional players. With notable examples like Broderick Jones from Pittsburgh and Andrew Thomas from the New York Giants, he recognizes the Bulldogs’ ability to turn offensive tackles into first-round draft picks. Cantwell said, “Georgia develops every position at a high level. They develop guys. I like a lot of stuff down there.”
Geographically, the Athens area also holds a personal connection for Cantwell as his mother, Teri Cantwell (formerly Steer), trained in Georgia as an Olympian. This familiarity adds another layer to his attraction to the Bulldogs. In February, he commented on Georgia’s successful production of first-round NFL tackles, stating, “You don’t want to think going in, ‘Oh, I’m going to the NFL,’ but like everybody that starts at Georgia ends up in the NFL at some point.”
Georgia was quick to extend a scholarship to Cantwell in July 2023 during a summer camp in Athens. Since then, he has made numerous visits, including attending a Bulldogs game against Auburn last October and additional visits in March and July of 2024. Coach Smart and offensive line coach Stacy Searels even traveled to Nixa to meet with Cantwell earlier this year.
As Cantwell makes his final choice among contenders like Miami (Florida), Ohio State, and Oregon, the pressure is on. He is considering what each program can offer not just in terms of immediate football success, but in helping him achieve his long-term ambitions of playing in the NFL.
