Freshman Receiver Sam Bruce Dismissed By UM
CBS Miami: The University of Miami announced Monday morning that it has decided to dismiss freshman wide receiver Sam Bruce.
The school released a statement regarding the decision.
"Sam Bruce has been dismissed from the Miami football program based on multiple violations of team rules and a failure on his part to meet the clear expectations established to be a part of the Miami football program," the release stated.
"We wish Sam well with his future academic and football endeavors."
The 5-foot-8 receiver never suited up for the Hurricanes and was already set to miss the 2016 season with a "non-football related injury" to his lower extremity according to a team release back in September.
Still, Bruce's time at Miami was as tumultuous as it was brief. The former Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas High School receiver and 4-star recruit was never able to live up to expectations.
Once he arrived on campus in the summer and began practicing with the team, coaches gave mixed reviews on his performances.
"I have to get him to see what I mean by 'playing fast' – getting up the field and not making a lot of moves. I'm trying to introduce him to college football the right way and not have a defensive end or linebacker introduce him to college football," Canes wide receiver coach Ron Dugans said of Bruce during Miami's media day.
Bruce then received a three-game suspension from the team stemming from an incident that occurred while he was still a student at St. Thomas Aquinas – where Bruce allegedly shared a photograph of himself with a weapon as an intimidation tactic during a dispute with an older, already-graduated Aquinas student over Bruce's now ex-girlfriend.
Still, Bruce continued to practice with the team – and drew small praise from head coach Mark Richt.
"He's been great. He's a great practice player," Richt said early in September. "Works hard…brings a lot of energy. He's not getting as many reps as the other guys – so he's fresher. But when he gets his reps, he's going full speed. He looks like a player."
With Bruce out, Miami now has 14 wide receivers on its roster.
