Coach’s Take: Why Miami LB commit Cam Pruitt may be closer to college game-ready than otherwise thought

Theodore (Al.) 2024 linebacker Cam Pruitt, Miami’s latest commit, may be closer to being ready to play at the college level than some think, his high school coach told CaneSport.

Pruitt, a three-star linebacker with an On3 Industry Grade of 89.00 — which places him just one point shy of being a four-star recruit — announced his Miami commitment during his official visit Saturday night and already has the coaching staff excited about his future presence in Coral Gables. Theodore head coach Steve Mask thinks he could make an impact with the Hurricanes sooner rather than later.

“I think he’s real close to (getting on a college field),” Mask said. “I think it’s obvious from looking at his size at 6-foot-3, 190-195 (pounds) that they would like to get him up to the 215-220 range, and I don’t think that will be an issue at all. This is a kid that plays three sports in high school (also playing basketball and running track). He’s really never trained year-round or had the nutritional program that college kids get. We all know that. I think from the knowledge of the game and the physicality of the game, I think he could do it right now. I think he’s just got to get a little bigger, a little stronger.”

Theodore uses Pruitt in a multitude of ways — from a pass rusher off the edge to a high safety — moving him across the field but usually keeping him inside the box. Mask said he tries to frees Pruitt up as much as he can to cover up some of the team’s weaknesses, and he thinks he could be a versatile piece at Miami.

Pruitt is the No. 404 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking and No. 39 linebacker.

“In today’s game, everybody’s looking for that guy, that hybrid guy, who’s good against the run and can be able to cover a back or a slot receiver,” Mask said. “I don’t know what (Miami’s) terminology is, but basically like a guy on the edge in the old 4-3 scheme or maybe a Will linebacker that can walk in and play inside if he needs to or walk out and play outside if he needs to.”

But what really separates Pruitt from the thousands of other prospects Mask has coached in his 43-year career and makes him a Miami-caliber player?

“He has just an unbelievable desire to play football and play it the right way,” Mask said. “He’s one of the most physical players I’ve ever coached. The first thing that struck me when I came to Theodore and put the game tape on was just how violent he plays within the rules. He’s a very, very physical player and just loves contact in the game.”

CaneSport’s Take

Pruitt is taking official visits to Arkansas and Ole Miss this week as he continues to be heavily pursued, although he and Miami’s coaching staff are on good terms about him keeping his recruitment open, he said. Pruitt is a prospect Miami’s coaching staff is very excited about.

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