While Saturday's decision to go public with a verbal commitment to Miami will always hold a unique place among Javian Mallory's memories, it caps a four-month stretch the four-star recruit will never forget.

A severe accident on November 3 left Mallory with a fractured skull. He was unconscious for the majority of the ensuing four days, under heavy sedation in an ICU.

Yet every time he would come to, he wanted to know how West Boca High School practices were going ahead of a would-be state title run for the Bulls.

"He was worried about getting back to football from the moment he opened his eyes," Jennette Mallory, his mother, said.

Mallory would hit rehabilitation hard and eventually earn clearance from doctors on January 28. Just over one month later, he showed up to the Under Armour Next Miami event trim and fit, winning running back MVP despite a loaded field.

"It was fun," the new Cane commitment said. "With some people, therapy and rehab is a hassle but for me, I couldn't wait to get back so I was killing rehab day in and day out. I was waiting on the moment to show the world that I'm back to myself, I'm back to who I am -- one of the top backs in the country.

"It felt amazing, honestly. It's a blessing from God to be able to go through what I went through -- to come out and look and feel better than I did before. I put a lot of work into myself."

Ranked among the top 10 running backs nationally, with more than 50 offers to his name, the story hit its celebratory apex on Saturday as Mallory and his family informed Mario Cristobal of the decision.

"The way Coach Cristobal is running the program, the culture he is bringing back to Miami, the swag, I really like that," Mallory said. "It's the old Miami culture of winning national championships.

"Miami is a school where I can go in, day one, and compete for an impactful role in the offense. I fit in perfectly. Their scheme and what I run at my high school is pretty similar. They say I'm their top priority at running back and I fit in perfectly with the team."

CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker

Miami was always in the mix for Mallory, despite a push from programs like Clemson and Notre Dame most recently. Part of the reason The U held off others is the depth the staff went to make the four-star feel like a priority.

"The relationships I've built with the entire coaching staff there, not even Coach Cristobal and Coach (Matt) Merritt, but everybody," he said. "The defensive coordinator, linebackers coach, everybody...I walk into that building and it feels like family.

"It feels like I already go there."

The family has frequented campus and those impressions began to add up ahead of the actual decision.

Especially considering all that has happened surrounding Mallory, staying closer to home provides some icing on the cake for his mother.

"It was music to my ears when he told me, I was ecstatic," she said. "I'm on cloud nine. I'm so excited. I'm so thankful and grateful that God protected my baby. He really wrapped his arms around Javian and protected Javian. He has a story.

"He's a gift. A gift."

Moving forward, Mallory is of course excited to get to spring football at West Boca to help the Bulls begin their state title defense. He'll do so representing Miami and he has huge expectations once there for good.

"I'm gonna come in ready to work," he said. "Good energy, hard worker, good teammate, humble. I'm gonna show them who I am. I'm coming in to work and take it to the next level.

"Bring a national championship back home to Miami."

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MIAMI FANS AT CANESCOUNTY.COM