Alonso's Chickillo picks Miami, to be third-generation Hurricane

Anthony Chickillo grew up with a University of Miami pacifier in his mouth.

So the Alonso defensive end didn't surprise a lot of people when he announced his decision to play for the Hurricanes during a ceremony Thursday in the school's gymnasium.

What would surprise a lot of people was how close it was between Florida, Florida State and Miami.

After narrowing down his nearly 50 Division I scholarship offers, Chickillo ranked the schools with a point system in several categories. Miami and Florida were neck-and-neck, and Florida State wasn't far behind.

A chance to play early, coupled with a family legacy from his father and grandfather having played for the Hurricanes, swayed him in UM's direction.

"Deep down in my heart, I always knew I wanted to go to Miami and I'm just happy about my decision," Chickillo said. "I considered them all. I just tried to find the best place for me through the whole recruiting process and I know I found it with Miami."

Miami was the second Division I school to offer Chickillo a scholarship. Soon after, as he developed into one of the top defensive ends in the country, the other offers began pouring in.

Chickillo made his decision early so he can concentrate on his senior season.

"I remember getting letters my junior year, but I didn't see a coach until my senior year," Chickillo's father, Tony, said of the difference in the recruiting process from when he played. "I thought he was mature and represented himself very well. This was the biggest decision of his life, and I think he made a great one today."

Chickillo called Miami coach Randy Shannon on Wednesday to deliver the news, and he was greeted with a lot of excitement.

"All the coaches went crazy. They were all happy," Chickillo said. "I talked to the whole coaching staff for a while and they were just so excited. They told me I was their No.1 guy for the whole recruiting process, not just my position, but for all the positions."

The students in the Alonso gymnasium reacted as excitedly as the Miami staff when Chickillo made his announcement.

He reached into a plastic bag to reveal a Miami hat and a special T-shirt his uncle had made for the occasion.

On the front of the shirt, in the middle of Miami's signature "U" was the phrase "3rd Generation," and on the back, "Blood is Thicker Than Water."

After thanking mom Joan for doing everything, including making his lunch every day, and his dad for being his hero, Chickillo choked up when he mentioned his grandfather, Nick, who died in 2001.

"In 1950, my grandfather started a legacy at Miami, and 30 years later my dad continued it," Chickillo said. "Now it's my turn."