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Since the commitment of elite California quarterback Jaden Rashada on June 26, the Miami Hurricanes football program has landed nine new commitments, eight of which make up the top pledges in their 2023 recruiting class.

On Wednesday, Mario Cristobal's program added another gem, as Jones High School (Florida) star Malik Bryant, the nation's No. 1 outside linebacker, announced his commitment to Miami over Alabama, Florida and Maryland.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound All-American Bowl selection is rated the nation's No. 26 overall prospect and held more than 40 scholarship offers.

Bryant declined to answer questions regarding his commitment until a Zoom call scheduled for 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. ET later in the day. 

It's just the latest decision in a commitment scheduling whirlwind for Bryant.

Initially scheduled to announce his decision on July 23, the Florida product canceled his decision but still threw his commitment party that evening.

Early this week, Bryant re-set his commitment date for Wednesday morning but pushed all questions until the evening.

Regardless of how it all played out, Miami got itself a game-changing, versatile linebacker. 

According to 247Sports, Bryant projects as a future Day 2 NFL draft pick: 

"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."

With Bryant in the fold, Miami's recruiting class jumps from No. 11 nationally to No. 7, leapfrogging LSU, Alabama, Tennessee and Oklahoma in the process. 

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