After sealing a playoff victory with a goal-line interception, the standout sophomore safety has eyes set on All-American honors and another National Championship run.
MIAMI, Fla. – Last season, the Miami Hurricanes had several impactful freshmen, highlighted by local Liberty City native Malachi Toney. The electrifying wide receiver gathered most of the spotlight and is currently facing greater expectations. However, Bryce Fitzgerald was another freshman who delivered an immediate impact.
The Miami native was a four-star safety coming from Christopher Columbus High School. He emerged as a rotational player upon arriving at the Coral Gables campus. Fitzgerald logged 16 total tackles, 10 solos and six assists, a tackle for loss, a sack, two passes broken up, and eight passes defended.
However, the 18-year-old made several plays with the football – leading the Atlantic Coast Conference and team with six interceptions. Although the Hurricanes’ secondary featured several veterans, including Jakobe Thomas, Fitzgerald managed to keep up.
A couple of the former freshman’s interceptions came in the first round of the College Football Playoffs against Texas A&M. It was the fourth quarter at the goal line – the Hurricanes were barely holding on to a 10-3 lead. Quarterback Marcel Reed had an opportunity to tie the game and send it to overtime or win with a two-point conversion. He targeted tight end Nate Boerkircher, but Fitzgerald got in the way of the pass – sealing the victory.
The Hurricanes went on to reach the National Championship game.
Fitzgerald was a participant in spring practices and limited action in the exhibition game at Cobb Stadium. Ahead of the upcoming season, the sophomore safety is projected as a full-time starter. Fitzgerald mentioned being a leader, especially for the incoming freshmen, such as defensive back James “JJ” Dunnigan Jr.
However, the Miami native has on-field goals for the upcoming season, according to an Instagram post from June 14:
- Jim Thorpe Award
- Lott Finalist
- ACC All-American
- All-American
- Eight total picks
- 30 total tackles
- Three pick-sixes
- Two forced fumbles
- National Championship
The Hurricanes had the fifth-best scoring defense among Football Bowl Subdivision programs. Given the retention of most of the secondary, plus the addition of Boston College transfer Omar Thornton, last year’s success is expected to carry over into the new season.
Despite losing Thomas and cornerback Keionte Scott to the NFL Draft, the program is primarily relying on the in-house talent to take on expanded roles.
Fitzgerald still has another year of college football before being eligible to go pro. This upcoming season presents an opportunity for him to cement a high stock and climb the rankings.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
