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The top rated recruit in Miami's 2016 recruiting class, 4-star WR Sam Bruce is set to make his final announcement for his collegiate destination later today.
Bruce, who was openly and admittedly close to former UM WR coach Kevin Beard, who once coached Bruce at University School, took visits and listened to other schools once Beard was let go by Mark Richt.
A star player at national powerhouse program St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), Bruce has no shortage of options for his collegiate destination. Boasting 26 scholarship offer, Bruce could choose from Miami (the school to which he has been committed since July 2015), Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, or South Carolina, among many others. However, for today's announcement, there are thought to be 2 main contenders: Miami and Ohio State.
Bruce is a dynamic player who plays in the slot on offense, but can also be used on run plays, reverses, and in the return game. Don't let Bruce's short stature fool you into thinking he's a gimmick player. Yes, he's only 5'8" but he's thickly built and decently muscular, and he has elite short area quickness and change of direction. He's pretty much uncoverable in 1-on-1 situations, and can make even the most talented defenders look foolish.
For this new staff, this is the first big recruit they have the chance to close. Mark Richt and new WR coach Ron Dugans have the ability to retain Bruce in the class and add a top talent to the roster. And, by doing so, gain much-needed momentum as Miami chases after other top recruits to fill out the 2016 class.
So, some time today, we'll know where Sam Bruce intends to play his college football.
Be sure you check back with State of the U for the final announcement.