Miami DB Bryce Fitzgerald Talks With CIS

Trinton Breeze
2 min read

Peter Ariz had a chance to speak with a couple of players at Miami Hurricanes Media Day, where he caught up with new Hurricanes defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald.

Here is the full transcript of the interview:



What's it like being here for the last five months?

It’s been great. The team brought me in, they treated me like I've been here since January, and we've just been grinding and working

Transition from Columbus to Miami

It’s a little different, I would say. We’ve practiced in the morning at Columbus, so it’s not that big of a change. But being disciplined, being here on time— even earlier since you’re a freshman— you’ve just got to do the little details to get noticed.

Have you added any weight?

Yes, I have, I added on a lot of pounds, thanks to coach Ervin, he's been pushing me to the best I can be, everybody wants me to get work and get bigger and stronger. (Weights 187)

Where do you see yourself this year getting the most work at?

Defensive back, but we'll see. Going through fall camp, just working to see what we can get.

Thoughts on the new defensive back coaches

It's been great. They took me in, they accepted me, and they've been pushing me and giving me techniques I can use in my game.

How have the vets in the defensive back group helped you with the transition to the college level?

It’s been great. There are no guaranteed spots, so in fall camp, we’re pushing, and everybody is pushing and competing.
 

Comments (13)

It's going to be very interesting to see where Bryce ends up whether that is Safety or CB. Like D$ has said many times, Fitzgerald is going to have to prove he can be physical if he is going to have any future at Safety. I would rather see him end up at Safety because his instincts and ball skills are next level and I think he would be best suited to playing that ball hawking Free Safety type of role where he patrols the deep third and uses his instincts and range to pick off passes. It would be a real shame not to see his skills put to use on defense.

Fitzgerald could be a huge weapon on Special Teams as a punt and kick returner.
 
This young man is going to prove a lot of people wrong - don’t be surprised if he’s a top 3 player from our 2025 class….and winds up with his name in the rafters alongside Kinchens
 
@DMoney is there any thought of mixing him in on offense? If the number one complaint about the offense is lack of absurd game breaking speed and this guy is magic with the ball in hands but may lack physicality wouldn’t this make some sense?
 
Bryce emerging really changes the outlook for safety this season. This team now has solid depth at the position.

Free / Field Safety
Zechariah Poyser RSO 6-2 200
Bryce Fitzgerald FR 6-1 190
Markeith Williams RJR 6-2 185

Strong / Boundary Safety
Jakobe Thomas RSR 6-2 205
Dylan Day SO 6-2 200
Amari Wallace FR 5-10 180:
 
What's great for Bryce is that Heatherman helped develop the best freshman Safety in the country last year at Minnesota and trusted him to start. Bryce has similar measurables, skillset and athleticism to Koi Perich. Koi played basketball, ran a 10.9 100, played on both sides of the ball and returned 4 kicks in high school. The big question is, will Bryce tackle at a high level.....

I know...the football jonesing is bad right now and I'm drinking that @DMoney Kool-Aid. We're a week away from reality

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What's great for Bryce is that Heatherman helped develop the best freshman Safety in the country last year at Minnesota and trusted him to start. Bryce has a similar measurables, skillset and athleticism to Koi Perich. Koi played basketball, ran a 10.9 100, played on both sides of the ball and returned 4 kicks in high school. The big question, is will Bryce tackle at a high level.....

I know...the football jonesing is bad right now and I'm drinking that D Money Kool-Aid. We're a week away from reality
I remember some on this board wondered whether Bryce had a future at WR. I read a small blurb saying Koi would get some snaps on offense this year. Interesting comparison you made.
 
I remember some on this board wondered whether Bryce had a future at WR. I read a small blurb saying Koi would get some snaps on offense this year. Interesting comparison you made.
I also like that Heatherman is obsessive with tackling and places a huge emphasis on it in practice. Meaning, he can really help Bryce with his biggest weakness...
 
What's great for Bryce is that Heatherman helped develop the best freshman Safety in the country last year at Minnesota and trusted him to start. Bryce has similar measurables, skillset and athleticism to Koi Perich. Koi played basketball, ran a 10.9 100, played on both sides of the ball and returned 4 kicks in high school. The big question is, will Bryce tackle at a high level.....

I know...the football jonesing is bad right now and I'm drinking that @DMoney Kool-Aid. We're a week away from reality

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