Miami Hurricanes LB Cam Pruitt has added 20 pounds of muscle: “I don’t care who you are

The Miami linebacker position returns a pair of solid starters in MLB Francisco Mauigoa and WLB Wesley Bissainthe. But there are a lot of reps gone with the departure of primary backups Corey Flagg and KJ Cloyd (per Pro Football Focus they played 785 reps while Mauigoa and Bissainthe played 1,142).

The competition for reps behind Mauigoa and Bissainthe has been intense this fall, and while there is talent with second-year guys Raul Aguirre, Marcellius Pulliam and Bobby Washington plus junior backup Chase Smith, a true freshman has emerged this spring who also looks like he’s right there in the mix for a lot of playing time: Cam “Bobby” Pruitt.

At 6-3 and 195 pounds, Pruitt has shown the speed and physicality to stand out.

And he’s picked up Lance Guidry’s defense quickly, to the point he’s working at both WILL and SAM along with “a lot of special teams reps – that’s my bread and butter, what I’m known for.”

“I’ve learned to have energy, be yourself and play and compete like it’s your last play,” Pruitt said. “(LB coach Derek Nicholson) has taught me a lot – my reads, better stance, better fits. He’s improved me to be a better player and get to the goals I want.”

Pruitt says he’s “gained a lot of pounds” since arriving but even at 195 he needs to pack on more weight. So far he estimates he’s gained almost 20 pounds “eating protein shakes and doing extra work.”

“My mentality is I don’t care who you are – I’m still going to hit you,” Pruitt said.

Pruitt arrived at Miami as a three-star out of Theodore (Ala.) High School, and he chose Miami over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Notre Dame and Penn State, among others.

The Crimson Tide in particular made a late run at him, but Pruitt never wavered.

“I’m glad I’m here, excited that I chose it,” Pruitt said. “I’m excited for the season.”

Now he’s looking to cement his place on the two-deep with spring ball in its final week.

“I’m a football head when watching film, I don’t watch anyting but football film, watch daily,” Pruitt said. “My personal goal is to get on the field, play with my brothers. I don’t like sitting out and watching somthing that I know I can do. My goal is to play. I put etra work in, extra film time with my brothers.”

A final thought from Pruitt?

“My view overall is we have a good team, and I enjoy the coaching staff and everybody,” Pruitt said. “We have some improvement to do, which is for everybody.”

*Pruitt’s given name is Cam, but he goes by “Bobby” after his deceased grandfather.

“I was a baby (when he died), I just took his name as an honor,” Pruitt said.

*Asked about QB Cam Ward, Pruitt said, “That boy is good. I can see him going further, he’s a good quarterback, good leader and he’s real competitive.”

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