Last month, news came through that 2020 Sandalwood DB Derek Bermudez had been offered a scholarship to the University of Miami by safeties coach Ephraim Banda after visiting for Junior Day.
“It was very exciting when they offered me because they were one of my favorite schools growing up. Coach Banda called me and said that he like my tape and fit what we’re trying to do and accomplish here at Miami. He saw that I could play multiple positions and then he told me he wanted to offer me a scholarship at Miami.”
Bermudez quickly planned a follow up trip to Coral Gables right away, and that visit took place this past weekend.
“It was a good visit and they showed a lot of love by showing me around the campus and what ‘The New Miami’ is about. I got to talk to all the coaches there and talked to the head coach too. They said I would be a huge asset to their defense because I can play multiple positions on defense.”
Miami does not know where exactly they want Bermudez to play just yet, but they know it will be either safety or striker. For this reason, Bermudez spent time with a bunch of different coaches while on the visit.
“I was with coaches Banda, (Jon) Patke, (Mike) Rumph, and (DeMarcus) Van Dyke. They are all cool coaches and are building something good over there.”
Bermudez also spent time with Manny Diaz and gave us an early review on Miami’s new head man.
“Coach Diaz is a very cool coach and is bringing the swag back to Miami.”
What draws Bermudez to Miami?
“I like Miami because I grew up watching them when I was little.”
In addition to the Hurricanes, Bermudez earned offers from LSU, Florida State, UGA, and Oregon after tape of his junior season started making the rounds.
"My junior year went very well, had 32 tackles and 2 int and a lot of pass break ups."
The 6'2" 180 pound prospect plans on visiting Florida on March 14th, as well as LSU, Ole Miss, and some other schools in the near future. He also plans on returning to Miami for one of the spring practices, but no date has been set yet. The plan is for Bermudez to decide on a school before his senior season starts and he gave us some insight on the where Miami is in his head.
“They’re up there. I’m looking to see how well can I build a relationship with the coaching staff.”
