Miami CB Trajan Bandy to sign contract with Steelers. Romeo Finley lands with Chargers
Despite Trajan Bandy’s decision to enter the NFL Draft early, there was little doubt that the former University of Miami cornerback was a devoted Hurricane, and that he would have stayed for his senior season had circumstances allowed.
Now, Bandy will do his best to secure his spot as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to a Miami Herald source shortly after the NFL Draft ended Saturday.
Bandy was one of four top draft-eligible Hurricanes who got bypassed in the three-day draft. The others: linebacker Michael Pinckney, defensive end Trevon Hill and receiver Jeff Thomas.
Bandy is a Miami native who was a consensus four-star prospect when he graduated from Columbus High. He had his best season as a UM sophomore, with 36 tackles, 4 1/2 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, eight pass breakups and three interceptions. He finished his college career with 90 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, four interceptions, 26 pass deflections, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries in 39 games.
Without a doubt, Bandy’s most famous play was when then-No. 7 UM beat No. 3 Notre Dame 41-8 on Nov. 12, 2017. Bandy, a freshman, picked off backup Ian Book at the UM 35-yard line and sprinted 65 yards for the Canes’ first defensive touchdown of the season with 22 seconds left before halftime. The replay is a favorite among Miami fans.
“It meant a lot,’’ Bandy said after the game. “Once I caught the ball I saw green grass and went to the house with it. It was a game-changing moment.’’
Bandy, one of four Miami underclassmen who left UM after their junior seasons, said in an Instagram post to “Canes Fam’’ when he announced his intentions to turn pro, that his “plan’’ had “always been to play four years in college and graduate, but life has a way of throwing you off your plans.’’
“Due to a number of unforeseen off the field circumstances and discussions with my family, I am foregoing my senior season and entering the 2020 NFL Draft.’’
A source told the Miami Herald that Bandy’s decision to turn pro was influenced by family financial and health issues.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Bandy was measured at 5-7 6/8 and 180 pounds, the shortest cornerback at the combine, which is beyond his control but hurt his draft stock. His 40-yard dash time was clocked at a competitive 4.50.
Pro Football Focus, on Dec. 12, 2018, called Bandy “stout in coverage’’ and gave him the 12th best coverage grade in the country of 89.4.
“Last but not least,’’ Bandy said when he declared a day after the Independence Bowl, “I want to give a shoutout to all of my teammates that helped me get to this point and pushed me to be great.’’
Romeo Finley goes to Chargers
Romeo Finley wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, but he’s still going to get a shot in the league. The striker is headed to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Finley began his career with the Hurricanes as a safety then moved to striker, Miami’s linebacker-safety hybrid, when it became a part of the Hurricanes’ defense in 2018. He finished his four-year career with 95 tackles, nine tackles for loss, one forced fumble, eight passes defended and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. His versatility makes him an interesting option in the NFL, which values linebackers who can reliably drop back into coverage.
This story was originally published April 25, 2020 at 7:56 PM.
