Miami Hurricanes' Bryce Fitzgerald Displayed Sacrifice in Win Over Florida State Seminoles

MIAMI, Fla. – At the end of the No. 3 Miami Hurricanes’ 43-35 double-overtime win over the Florida State Seminoles, sophomore cornerback/safety Bryce Fitzgerald rose as the hero; however, it’s what occurred before that deserves as much recognition.

On the first play of the game, the 19-year-old attempted to tackle sophomore wide receiver Jayvan Broogs, but appeared to have suffered a right shoulder injury in the process. Fitzgerald went to the locker room for further examination.

The Hurricanes’ secondary has been thin since the start of the season, as cornerbacks Romanas “OJ” Frederique Jr. and Ja’Boree Antoine aren’t close to returning from injuries. Although Xavier Lucas returned against the Seminoles, Zechariah Poyser was ejected because of a targeting call. Despite not being 100 percent, Fitzgerald returned to the game early in the second quarter.

Fast forward to double overtime, the Seminoles had a chance to respond to the Hurricanes’ leading touchdown, plus a successful two-point conversion. Initially, fifth-year quarterback Ashton Daniels found junior wide receiver Micahi Danzy for a 36-yard touchdown, but it was called back because of a holding call. The Seminoles were granted another chance to score and came close, within centimeters.

On fourth-and-31, at the Hurricanes’ 46-yard line, Daniels didn’t have a choice other than to throw a Hail Mary. He threw it to Seminoles star and senior wide receiver Duce Robinson, who is listed at 6-6 and 230 pounds. Despite the lengthy frame, Fitzgerald managed to leap over him to snatch the ball and grab the game-sealing interception.

The Miami native credits his basketball background for the successful leap. Before fully investing in football, Fitzgerald played on the court at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School before transferring to Christopher Columbus High School. As a sophomore, he averaged 11.6 points on 3.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.5 steals in 32 games, according to MaxPreps.

Fitzgerald has made sacrifices that have impacted the Hurricanes’ success since the start of the season. The biggest is moving from safety to cornerback. Given all the injuries to the secondary, defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman has been required to move pieces around. Fitzgerald’s versatility has been tested, but held up strong. On Saturday night, he sacrificed his body, despite not playing fully healthy.

The Hurricanes don’t have another bye week for the players to take extra recovery time; however, Fitzgerald has taken great steps in showing leadership. A tremendous example of putting the team over individual success.

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