INSIDE SCOOP: How Miami stole top-250 TE Luka Gilbert from under Ohio State’s nose … “It’s a blessing to be a part of the Canes’ kingdom”

The Miami Hurricanes picked up a massive commitment on Monday from Ohio State’s backyard: Cincinnati (OH) Lakota West High School On3 top-250 TE Luka Gilbert. The 4-star previously visited Miami twice – in January for Junior Day and again in March for a spring practice.

He was won over by the persistence of the Miami coaches, including a close relationship with TE coach Cody Woodiel. And he says Miami in general just felt like home.

“I just think after a long thought process and after my visits I was thinking about all the different possibilities and different places that I could go,” Gilbert told CaneSport. “And it just really sticks out to me that Miami feels like home every single time I’m there. They treat me like I’m their very own family, and it’s really a blessing to be part of this program now.”

Gilbert says he is 100 percent committed. He previously was going to take official visits to Ohio State and Kentucky. He now says he will cancel those and not take any visits besides Miami.

The Canes plan to use him as an attached-to-the-line tight end, although he could also occasionally line up in the backfield.

Helping the cause in this big win? Gilbert’s family was wowed by UM.

“I’d say the first time they went down there with me they fell in love with campus and coach Woodiel,” said Gilbert, who also stars in basketball at Lakota West High. “He treats us like family, like his own family. It is truly amazing that these coaches have treated me and my family (so well). They showed us around the campus and reassured us that this is the best decision for us.”

A final thought from Gilbert?

“It’s a blessing to be a part of the Canes’ kingdom,” Gilbert said. “It’s a real blessing to be able to play for coach Woodiel and coach (Mario) Cristobal. I’m very excited for what is in store for me.”

CaneSport’s take

This is a huge addition for Miami, it goes without saying, and a great job by Hurricanes coaches. They are really the main reason he committed, and he and Elija Lofton should form a heck of a tandem since Lofton can be an H-back type with Gilbert more of the traditional tight end. The future of Tight End U is bright.