4-star LB Malik Bryant believes in Mario Cristobal, commits to Miami

Orlando Jones linebacker Malik Bryant put a lot of thought into Alabama. Maryland hosted him on an official visit too. But this came down to an in-state battle between Florida and Miami.

After going back-and-forth between the Gators and the Hurricanes, the No. 55 prospect in the On3 Consensus committed to Miami and Mario Cristobal.

“It was a very tough decision for me to be honest,” Bryant told On3. “I got to know both staffs really well and I was praying on it hard the last week or so. Then it just came to me that it was Miami earlier this week.

“Dealing with the people within the program was very important. I looked deep into the whole staff, the people on campus, and who was best for me. I am going with the people I feel I fit best with that I will be around on a day-to-day basis.

“That is what separated Miami at the top.”

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The defensive staff’s experience played a role in Bryant’s decision

Kevin Steele is the defensive coordinator and he has been coaching college football full-time since 1982 at Tennessee. Charlie Strong assists Steele with the defensive scheme and coaches the linebacker position. He has been in the game since the mid-1980s.

Their experience factored into Bryant’s decision.

“Coach Steele and coach Strong have been around for a while,” Bryant said. “I love their experience and what they know about the game. They are smart coaches, they know defenses, and they have a great plan for me.”

The 6-foot-2, 234-pound four-star linebacker has versatility in their eyes.

“They want to move me around. I am a linebacker, but they want to bring me off the edge, they think I can drop into coverage, and they really see a lot in me. What they see in me, how they coach the game, and their system really helped me with my decision.”

Bryant is a believer in Cristobal

Miami has not had this type of energy around the program in a long time. Cristobal has rejuvenated the fan base, the former players are in full support, and recruiting is back at The U.

“Coach Cristobal is from Miami, he played at Miami, and he won at Miami, so he knows what it takes to get the job done,” Bryant said. “He has changed the environment, he has the team working hard, and he can win at Miami.

“Things have changed since he took over as the head coach. He made me a priority. He wants to get the best players. When he was playing there, the best players went to Miami. Coach Cristobal plans to get the best players and to win championships at Miami.”