Florida gaining on Miami football as Malik Bryant delays commitment

Florida is gaining on the Miami football program for a commitment from four-star linebacker Malik Bryant after he delayed his announcement on Saturday. Bryant was initially set to make his commitment announcement at 5:25 PM eastern time on Saturday. Bryant has not announced a new commitment date.

Bryant is the second 2023 prospect who is trending to the Miami football program that has delayed his commitment announcement this week. Four-star safety Jayden Bonsu delayed his commitment announcement that was originally scheduled for Wednesday. No re-commitment date has been set for Bonsu.

Bryant is the 55th ranked player, third LB and 14th in Florida in the Class of 2023. Last week, the On3 prediction machine projected a 79 percent chance that Bryant would commit to Miami. On Saturday, On3 had Miami with a Miami 51.5 percent chance for a commitment from Bryant with  Florida at 44.7 percent.

Miami has two LBs currently committed for 2023. Three-star prospect Bobby Washington committed in March and four-star Raul Aguirre last week. Miami currently has the 11th-ranked 2023 class. A commitment from Bryant would push Miami to fifth in the 2023 247 Sports composite rankings.

Andrew Ivins of 247 Sports reported that Bryant pushed back his commitment announcement because he needs more time to decide. On3 reported that Bryant is waiting to see how he feels before deciding on a new commitment date. The longer Bryant postpones his decision could favor Florida.

Miami has not had a commitment after stretch of seven prospects committed to the Hurricanes between June 26 and July 12. The next commitment announcement to watch for Miami is likely to be three-star interior offensive lineman Tommy Kinsler. Kinsler is trending to Miami with a July 28 commitment announcement.

A commitment from Kinsler would move the 11th ranked 2023 Miami class to ninth passing Oklahoma and LSU. Miami is poised to sign an exceptional class on the OL. The Hurricanes have commitments from five-star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and three-star OL Frankie Tinilau and Antonio Tripp.

Five-star OT Samson Okunlola is also trending to Miami. Okunlola does not have a commitment date set. A commitment from Okunlola would give Miami an elite tandem with Mauigoa to anchor the OL for three-years. In addition to Aguirre and Washington, Miami has only two other commitments from defensive prospects.

Four-star edge rusher Jayden Wayne and cornerback Robert Stafford were among the seven commits in the 16 productive days for Miami. Miami does not want to lose the momentum they create during the end of June and beginning of August. The Hurricanes will challenge for a top 10 2023 recruiting class.