One of Miami’s first targets under new head coach Mario Cristobal was 4-star tight end Jaleel Skinner.

The IMG Academy product was committed to Alabama when Cristobal first took over in Coral Gables, but he flipped soon after. Earlier this week, Skinner explained that decision.

He said Cristobal’s arrival at Miami was a big reason for his change of heart, but so was the communication from Miami tight end coach Steve Field.

“The number one thing was Steve Field,” Skinner told reporters this week. “Because earlier last year I committed to Alabama. Coach Fields was the first person to call me after I committed. He was the first person to call me. Nobody from (the) Alabama staff called me. He was the first.

“The number two thing was them (hiring) coach Cristobal. I was the first recruit he came to see after he got the job when I was at IMG. That meant a lot to me that show how much…I meant to him because me and him already had a really strong relationship coming into it. After he got the job here, that helped seal the deal.”

Field is now in his fourth season with Miami. He was retained by Cristobal after the program parted ways with Manny Diaz.

Skinner is a highly-touted prospect who was the No. 3 tight end in the country for the class of 2022, per 247Sports Composite rankings. However, he’s likely to be a backup this season behind All-ACC candidate Will Mallory.

Still, the Hurricanes could use his athleticism in an offense that’s looking for pass catchers.

Miami opens the season vs. Bethune Cookman on Sept. 3.