Miami Hurricanes CB Trajan Bandy ready to lead secondary

Miami Hurricanes cornerback Trajan Bandy is the only returning starter in the secondary in 2018. With that status, Bandy is stepping up as a leader among the defensive backs.

Junior cornerback Trajan Bandy learned from the 2018 senior trio of cornerback Michael Jackson and safeties Jaquan Johnson and Sheldrick Redwine. With those three departed to the NFL it is Bandy’s turn to lead the Miami Hurricanes defense. Bandy is the only returning starter in the Miami secondary.

Bandy was a first-year starter as a sophomore for Miami in 2018. He finished the season with 36 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and led the team with eight pass breakups. Bandy has taken the responsibility of leading the young Miami secondary.

Miami co-defensive coordinator Blake Baker spoke about Bandy’s maturity.

"“I think he’s risen up to that challenge. I think he’s been very positive, which our young guys need to see. He’s been out here making plays the first three days.”"

Bandy has had to become more vocal as the elder statesman among the defensive backs. He told the Sun-Sentinel that it goes against his personality to a vocal leader. Bandy has been challenged to take the mantel from Johnson, Redwine and Jackson.

"“It hasn’t really been hard, but I can say it’s been a challenge because I’m really not a loud guy. It’s kind of a personality thing, where you go in the room and you stand in front of them and you scream and talk and do all those types of things. I feel like I’m progressing at it. I feel like I’m getting better at it.”"

Bandy has played the inside cornerback or nickel often during training camp. Sophomores D.J. Ivey and Al Blades Jr. have played the outside corner positions during training camp. Bandy was a nickelback during his freshman year in 2017. His pick-six against Notre Dame is one of the most memorable plays in Miami history.

"“I’ve been playing that position since my freshman year, so I’m comfortable with it, I know the ins and outs of it. I feel like coach wants to put me in that position just to show the younger guys what to do just in case I have to come out. Right now, I’ve really been playing it and just locking it up.”"

Bandy has been impressed by the young defensive backs Miami has on the roster. They have taken well to his mentoring through the first six days of training camp. “I feel like the young guys are catching on really well. We’ve been getting after it.”

Bandy is giving Miami a steady influence in the secondary. He is showing teammates the importance of not getting too excited for a big game like the Hurricanes season opener against Florida.

"“I really don’t want to get too excited for it because it seems like every time I get so excited for a game, always something happens. Even since that Clemson game my freshman year, going down with an injury.Then LSU game coming back, head-on-head [hit] getting kicked out of the game. I really want to go into this game composed.”"

Bandy’s lessons are critical for his peers in the back of the Miami defense. Getting too excited at cornerback can lead to aggressiveness and going for the big play or interception instead of playing steady and letting the plays come to them. Being in the moment will be important against Florida.