Malik Bryant, nation's No. 1 linebacker, pushes back commitment; Florida, Miami battle intensifies

Jones High School (Florida) star Malik Bryant, the nation's No. 1 linebacker, was all set to announce his college commitment Saturday.

Until he wasn't.

On the morning of his decision, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound 'backer announced that he was canceling his commitment ceremony but would still be having a party in the evening:

The decision to delay comes after a whirlwind "finish" to Bryant's commitment.

Thought to be a lock to Miami as recently as this week, Bryant has been wavering thanks to a late surge from the Florida Gators.

Alabama and Maryland are the other two finalists. 

Miami has been on an electrifying hot streak on the recruiting trail over the past month, landing several bluechip prospects on its way to a top-10 nationally-ranked recruiting class.

Florida has also made a big push this summer, climbing into the nation's top-25 classes with seven bluechip commitments since June 21. 

Clearly, the battle for Bryant isn't over -and will remain fierce.

The Florida product is projected as a future NFL draft pick by 247Sports:

"A front seven player that can get after the quarterback. Initial burst tends to cause plenty of issues for opposing offensive tackles. Seems to be at his best when he’s asked to just attack the corner, but can track back inside and flush out pockets with a few different well-timed pass rushing moves. Ability to redirect in space and get lateral make him a difference maker outside the hashes. Also owns valuable experience in pass coverage having been asked in the past to stick with much quicker wide receivers coming out of the slot. More of a finesse rusher than power rusher at this stage in his development, but that could change as he matures. Average measurables (believed to be just over 6-foot-2, 235 pounds) and a lack of additional length in the arms could turn away some, but body of work speaks for itself as he started as a freshman in Florida’s highest classification before spending the next two years producing at the national powerhouse that is IMG Academy. Might be best suited for a 3-4 look, but could also find a role in a 4-3 front, potentially even as an off-ball linebacker. Likely going to need some time to get adjusted to the speed and physicality of big-time college football, but has the tools to eventually blossom into a starter for a Top 25 program." 

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