Trajan Bandy has been a rock in Miami’s class, and is ready to step up as a leader

2016 has been a roller coaster of a year for University of Miami football fans. From a 4-0 start to a 4 game losing streak, and now a 2 game winning streak in late November, optimism has come sporadically throughout the season.

Depth at pivotal positions has hampered the Hurricanes thus far, and forced fans to look down the road at where help may be coming. One position that embodies Miami’s depth issues is cornerback, where Miami is set to lose 2 starters on an already thin unit this offseason.

Malek Young and Sheldrick Redwine return, but after the departure of Corn Elder and Adrian Colbert, a gaping hole is left at the nickel cornerback position.

Enter Trajan Bandy, an ESPN 300 recruit, who hails from Christopher Columbus High School as a 5’9” cornerback. Bandy attended elite prospect camps over the summer, but was neglected by Al Golden in previous years due to his height. Bandy committed to Oklahoma because Golden never showed interest, and developed a relationship with their staff.

Once Richt entered Coral Gables; however, Bandy became a priority and the pair developed a relationship throughout the process.

“He is a nice guy, he is genuine,” Bandy said. “He was real with me since day 1, right off the bat he told me he was going to offer me.”

Bandy committed to Miami in August, and has become the ‘Canes lone true cornerback commitment in the class. Since he committed Miami has continued to look for more cornerback commits, and Bandy will be looking to help bring Miami back to what he envisions.

“I’ve been trying my all just to help put Miami back on the map,” Bandy said. “It has been a challenge but at the end of the day we’re still fighting for other players.”

Bandy’s commitment status is as solid as any player, and has been voiced through social media on many occasions.

Despite Bandy’s height fans should be enthusiastic about his commitment, due to his play-making ability. In one of the most important games of his high school’s season versus Miami Southridge, Bandy put Columbus up early by jumping a pass and taking it into the end zone for a pick 6.

Bandy has also been a leader on social media alongside fellow recruit DeeJay Dallas, in tweeting the direction they intend to take the program

And at the end of the day, Bandy is looking to become a leader while fulfilling his childhood dream.

“When they offered me I was excited and happy it was a no brainer,” Bandy said. “Ever since I was a little kid growing up watching the University of Miami, I knew I wanted to play there when I was older.”