Malik Bryant commits to Miami Hurricanes, gives team much-needed top talent at LB in class
Even early in his recruitment – back when UM was one of his first three offers in 2020 – Orlando (Fla.) Jones High School LB Malik Bryant said he was drawn to the University of Miami because of “the tradition of Miami and what The U football is all about.”
Now he’s set to become part of that tradition.
Bryant has announced his Miami Hurricanes commitment after initially delaying a July 23 announcement when the Gators were making a big run at him.
“I like the way coach (Mario) Cristobal recruits, he makes me feel like I’m a need for them,” Bryant said.
Bryant adds that Cristobal stresses “where I fit in and how I can lead the defense.”
Bryant has gotten around the Cane program a lot, including visiting for games last season and two unofficial visits and his Miami official visit for Legends Camp weekend.
Violent with his hands against the run and does an excellent job stacking and shedding. Gives offensive tackles issues with his quickness and burst.
Malik Bryant’s On3 SCouting Report
He took his other official visits to Florida and Maryland.
So what has Miami added here?
Well, the On3 Scouting Report reads that Bryant is an “athletic, high-energy rusher who wins with power and speed along with positional versatility. Lines up in the slot, as a stand up linebacker and edge rusher. Transferring back home to Jones High School after starring for IMG Academy as a sophomore and junior. Violent with his hands against the run and does an excellent job stacking and shedding. Gives offensive tackles issues with his quickness and burst. … Posted an electronically-timed 4.72 second 40-yard dash, a 4.38 second shuttle and 32” vertical. Lacks the length of most top pass rushers. Could potentially kick to inside linebacker in college depending on scheme and fit. Older for the class, having turned 18 years-old during his junior season.”
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As for Bryant’s skillset?
CaneSport spoke with his high school coach, former Gator Elijah Williams.
Williams say that “He’s an exceptional athlete, all the things he can do. He can be a great edge rusher, great ILB a great tight end as well, can catch and run. We play him everywhere possible. He’s very intuitive and very football-smart, great football instincts.”
The comparison here?
“He reminds me of Mike Peterson,” Williams said.
Peterson, for reference, was a first-team All-SEC LB selection at UF who went on to become a second-round pick in the 1999 NFL Draft and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2005. He finished his 14-year NFL career with 883 tackles, 21.5 sacks and 19 interceptions in 196 career games.
CaneSport’s take
Miami needed top linebackers in this class, and Bryant is a great addition at a major position of need. He’ll have a chance to come in and make an impact from Day 1 when you just look at the anticipated returning Miami Hurricanes LB depth chart. So this pickup is a huge deal for the Canes.
