Malik Bryant, nation's No. 1 outside linebacker, sets Wednesday commitment; Florida, Miami among top contenders
>>> UPDATE: Elite linebacker Malik Bryant commits to Miami Hurricanes
Jones High School (Florida) star Malik Bryant, the nation's No. 1 outside linebacker, was all set to announce his college commitment last week.
Until he wasn't.
In the hours leading up to his decision, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound 'backer canceled his commitment.
But early this week, he set it again - for Wednesday at noon ET/9 a.m. PT:
Bryant's finalists appear to remain the same with a top four of Alabama, Florida, Maryland and Miami.
Heading into his initial decision it was believed Bryant was favoring Miami, but that Florida was pushing hard for the in-state defender.
Therefore his delay was viewed by some as a small victory for the Gators.
But will it last?
Heading into Bryant's Wednesday announcement Miami appears to be the favorite, although his recruitment has proven to be a whirlwind down the stretch.
Regardless of where Bryant is headed, he projects as a future Day 2 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."
Junior season highlights
