Miami football recruiting USC transfer WR Gary Bryant Jr. hardest

The Miami football program is recruiting USC transfer wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. harder than anyone according to his father in an interview with Greg Biggins of 247 Sports. Bryant is also strongly considering Arizona and Texas A&M. Mario Cristobal stated in December adding an outside transfer WR is a priority.

Bryant played in only three games in 2022 before deciding to shut it down and redshirt. In 2021 Bryant had a breakout season with 44 receptions for 579 yards and seven touchdowns. USC added WR Jordan Addison who won the Biletnikoff Award at Pittsburgh in 2021 winner during the 2022 offseason.

Bryant Sr. told Biggins that his son is visiting Oregon on March 16 and UCLA on the 24. They expect those to be the last two visits and make a decision by the end of the month. Arizona remains in the picture too. Bryant Sr. state they expect to know a lot more after the visits to Texas A&M and USC.

Bryant Sr. stated that Texas A&M is confident in receiving a commitment once they get Bryant Jr. on campus. When USC signed Bryant Jr. in the Class of 2020 he was the 46th-ranked prospect, seventh WR and fifth in California out of Corona Centennial. None of the Miami WRs have close to the production or ranking of Bryant Jr.

"“Miami is still making a strong push and recruiting Gary harder than anyone and I think those are the main three right now. We’re still taking with Arizona too but I think we’ll know a lot more after these last two visits…(Texas A&M) They wanted to one the last visit…They were consistent with that, we had a trip set and they said since they knew he was going to take a few more, they wanted to be last and said once he visits, he won’t want to go anywhere else. They want to air it out and we’ve heard good things about the new OC.Coach Cristobal has stayed in constant contact Gary and he has talked to Ryan (SIC) Van Dyke too…The new OC, Shannon Dawson, he wants to run an Air Raid offense and Gary would be one of the featured players in the offense.He loved the all around vibe and how well he fit in there when he visited so there still a really good option for him.”"

The scouting report from Biggins on Bryant coming out of high school said he is “Extremely polished as a route runner, natural pass catcher and dynamic with the ball in his hands. Can play in the slot or out wide and can run every route in the book…and is a dangerous return man…Projects… as future high-round NFL draft pick.”

Bryant averaged 25.1 yards per kickoff return at USC. The Miami football team finished second nationally in 2022 averaging 26.71 yards per kickoff return. Most of that was Keyshawn Smith early in the season. Smith transferred to SMU following the season after losing playing time over the last half of the season.

The new Miami offense is expected to attract more interest from skill position players. Bryant Jr. would be a huge addition to the Miami football program. The Hurricanes desperately need to develop one of the WRs on the roster or add a transfer. Miami did not have enough playmakers offensively during the 2022 season.