The amount of talent in South Florida each year is always staggering. That leads to some prospects flying under-the-radar who deserve more attention, but spring practice normally reveals a number of these “sleeper” prospects.
2016 Columbus LB Bryce Handy (6-1, 220) is one of those individuals who has made a name for himself this spring with a strong performance at Friday’s FIU high school scrimmages. Handy recently made the transition from outside linebacker to the middle. The Explorers faced a talented Hallandale squad.
“I think I played fairly well. It was my first game playing middle linebacker, so with that being said I think I played well and I can get used to it,” said Handy.
Handy knows he has work to do, but the foundation is certainly there.
“I feel like I can improve a lot at middle linebacker. Going from outside to inside was a change as far as responsibility, but I feel like I have the instincts so it’s just a good fit for me.”
The junior backer doesn’t mince his words when asked to describe his style on the field.
“I would say I’m shifty, quick, and if I get the chance I’m going to hit you in the mouth as hard as I can.”
Handy explained his current recruiting situation.
“I have Army, Kentucky, and FAU offers right now. I’ve only been to FAU so far and they treat me very well but I wouldn’t say that anyone is ahead because the other coaches from other schools talk to me too, I just haven’t been there.”
Bowling Green, Louisville, USF, Duke, and Syracuse have all been in contact with Handy recently.
A school that the hard-hitting prospect would like to hear from more though, is the University of Miami. His father, Darren, was a starting offensive lineman on the 1989 Miami National Championship team.
“It would mean a lot (to receive an offer). My father went there and was a really good player so for them to offer me would be great because I grew up a fan and I wanted to experience that one day."
Handy likes what he has seen from his team as he heads into his senior year.
“As a team, we have the athletes to go really far. The only thing that could hold us back would be our communication, because we are a really young team. I put it on myself to step up for my team this season. I knew that I needed to be that leader on-and-off the field.”
