There might not be a position more discussed by Canes fans over the last regime more than linebacker. After countless whiffs and a lack of production at the position, Miami is starting to turn the corner with the addition of Malik Bryant via Jones high School.

Landing Wesley Bissainthe in the 22' class was a great start and Head Coach Mario Cristobal followed it up with Bryant who is a top 50 player in the 23' class.

At 6'3 225 pounds Bryant is more physically ready for the college level than linebackers Miami has recruited in previous years. His position versatility should prove vital as Miami will look to develop him as an off-ball linebacker while utilizing his incredible pass-rushing ability.

Bryant is one of the most gifted athletes in the country, possessing the ideal frame for a modern-day outside linebacker where he can be used in 4-3 even sets or even flex to end as a 3-4 OLB where his pass rushing skills can be put on full display.

Bryant lives in the backfield and is at his best going downhill with incredible power and speed. He plays with the desired level of physicality Coach Cristobal needs. While he has mostly been deployed as an edge to cause havoc, he has shown on tape the ability to play in space by blowing up screens and dropping into zone coverage as a 3-4 edge rusher which lead to him undercutting a throw for a long pick six.

Bryant is an incredible athlete that will instantly raise the talent level in the room and team overall with his elite first step and bend when closing in on opposing quarterbacks with off-the-charts athleticism. The ceiling is super high with Bryant and the staff will be able to utilize him in many ways to get the most out of his talent. His head-hunter mentality will be welcomed on a team that has to play tougher in 2023 and beyond.

"Malik Bryant has dual value," said Cristobal. "He's been playing inside linebacker, he's an absolute stud and he also adds edge pressure capability. He's a guy that we'll be able to use at both of those spots. One of the highest-rated players in the country at the linebacker position but also recognized for his ability to bring pressure to the passer. Awesome family, he's been with us for a long, long time. We expect great things from him."

Mathews started off at USC as a walk-on before becoming a special teams ace and later becoming one of the most dominant OLBs of his generation. Mathews was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 1st round in 2009, checking in at 6'3" and 240 pounds you can easily see how Bryant's frame is at 6'3 225 compares.

Mathews while playing off-ball linebacker with great success was mostly known for how he was deployed on blitzes or just straight off the edge, his job was to create havoc in the backfield wherever he lined up.

As Mathew's career got further along in the NFL, he ended up adding more weight up to 255 pounds which helped him stay on the edge later in his career. Could see a similar path for Bryant due to his nearly identical skillset.

Mathews had a decorated career in the NFL accounting for 519 tackles, 91.5 sacks, six interceptions, 17 forced fumbles, 130 tackles for loss, and scored three defensive touchdowns. This outstanding career led him to be selected for six pro bowls and was a two-time all-pro.

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