ORLANDO, Fla. — Through all of Miami’s coaching turmoil over the last two months, wide receiver Sam Bruce has stayed committed to the Hurricanes.
(Photo: Tom Loy, 247Sports)
With Miami’s assistant coaches now facing uncertainty with their future at Miami, Bruce says he is maintaining his UM pledge because he committed to a school, not a coach.
“I pretty much have the same attitude that I had when Miami fired coach Golden,” Bruce said. “I committed to a school and not a coach. I committed to the University of Miami. I feel that it is idiotic to base your decision off of a coach. Anytime within those four years, your coach can be gone the next day. College football is a business.”
Bruce has built a close relationship with UM wide receivers coach Kevin Beard. The two have spoke in recent days and Beard told Bruce what his situation is at the moment.
“His message to me is that he is being evaluated for the job,” Bruce said. “He only had a one year contract and it is now up. He will be evaluated and coach Richt will pick his receivers coach for next year.”
Bruce says whether or not Beard is retained by Richt will not enter into his final decision on whether or not he sticks with Miami.
“Him being brought back or not being brought back is not going to enter into my decision,” Bruce said.
Bruce has started to build a relationship with new UM head coach Mark Richt. The two have talked as much as is allowed under the NCAA Dead Period that lasts until mid-January.
“We have talked a couple of times,” Bruce said. “I believe the first time I talked to him was last Tuesday. He was straight forward about what he wanted to bring to the University of Miami and I am all for what he wants.”
Bruce admits he still has plenty to learn about Richt over the next month.
“I am going to keep in good touch with coach Richt and just examine what kind of guy he is. I have a good relationship with some of the players down there and I will talk to them and see what he is all about. I want to see what he has to offer not only as a coach, but also as a mentor.”
Bruce has scheduled official visits to South Carolina on January 15th, Florida on January 22nd, and Miami on January 29th.
South Carolina has emerged as a player in Bruce’s recruitment in recent weeks because of the hiring of new head coach Will Muschamp and defensive coordinator Tavaris Robinson. Bruce has built a strong relationship with Robinson and that is a main factor in him considering the Gamecocks.
“He has been recruiting me since freshman year when I was at University School,” Bruce said. “He recruited me at Auburn and Florida and he is recruiting me now. That just shows his consistency and how bad he wants me.”
“He told me to come be a big fish in a small pond and I believe him. They are looking for the come up and I feel like I can be a premier player in their offense.”
Bruce is a childhood friend of current South Carolina cornerback Chris Lammons, who has encouraged the talented receiver to give them a strong look.
“He feels that they have what it takes to change that program around,” Bruce said. “He is my childhood friend and I trust him.”
Florida has long been a contender for Bruce. It appears in recent weeks that the Gators had backed off their interest, but Bruce says that hasn’t been the case.
“I talk to coach Skipper or McElwain once a week,” Bruce said. “They don’t want me to feel that Florida isn’t an option for me. I am really looking to Florida. One of my best friends is there. Felipe Franks is there and he was one of my quarterbacks at The Opening. Why not? Why not go to Florida?
Bruce is excited to begin Under Armour All-American week. Bruce hopes impress enough to earn a fifth star in his rating.
“Anytime I come to a camp like this, I am always pushing for that fifth star. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen and I guess it wasn’t meant to be. My goal is to be leaving here with my last star.”