Edite/paraphrased down from this am:
I don't think the trend off high-end talent picking the Hurricanes is ending anytime soon, especially with Orlando (Fla.) Jones Top247 linebacker
Malik Bryant set to come off the board July 23.
While there was a time when it seemed like Bryant might be favoring Alabama, I believe that Miami is likely going to be the pick, which is why I joined some others and logged a 247Sports' Crystal Ball forecast in favor of the Hurricanes on Friday morning. The confidence score is on the higher side.
At least one school directly involved in the recruitment is under the impression that Cristobal & Co. are likely going to win out. That's certainly notable, but I have also heard that Bryant has a relationship with Edgerrin James and actually grew up playing for one of the UM legend's youth football teams. That history seems to be steering Bryant towards the green and orange.
It should also be noted that Bryant's head coach, Elijah Williams, played for current Miami assistant Charlie Strong at Florida and
Strong is the one running point for the Hurricanes on Bryant. So, there is some familiarity there, as well.