Miami Football: What Happened to Former Freshman Sensation, Deon Bush?

"I gotta put my city back on the map right now." 

With those eleven words, Deon Bush chose Miami over Alabama and Auburn, live from the Army All-American Bowl in January 2012 and never looked back. The top-rated, 4-star safety signed with the Hurricanes a month later, a cornerstone of head coach Al Golden's first full class at the University of Miami.

Golden took the job 13 months prior, was blindsided by the Yahoo! Sports bombshell weeks before coaching his first game in September, yet on Signing Day '12, added Bush to a class that contained 5-star running back Duke Johnson, 4-star defensive tackle Tyriq McCord and picked up 5-star cornerback Tracy Howard at the final hour.

Bush saw action in 10 games last season and made six starts, racking up 34 tackles, three pass breakups and tied for second in the ACC with three forced fumbles. After 12 games he was named Newcomer of the Year at UM's end-of-season banquet and Freshman All-America by CollegeFootballNews.com.

Within months, Bush's football and personal worlds were rocked. The physical toll of a baptism by fire-type freshman campaign had the safety needing offseason hernia surgery. In April, his father Gary Bush Sr. had been diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer—a definite set-back for a close-knit, God-fearing family.

“At first Deon wasn’t that strong, but we talked about prayer and what God can do," Bush Sr. told Susan Miller Degnan and the Miami Herald in July. "Deon and [UM cornerback] Tracy Howard and [tailback] Duke Johnson came by to see me recently. I told them, ‘Don’t take any day for granted.’ I never did lose my faith.”

Howard and Johnson heeded the elder Bush's advice and hit the ground running as sophomores, making the most of their playing opportunities. Against Florida, Howard reeled in a crucial interception late in the game, helping seal the early September upset, while Johnson already has 572 yards and four touchdowns in five games, even while sharing carries and sitting out some second half blowouts.

While his teammates thrive, Bush continues working his way back into game day shape, having seen minimal action thus far.

No. 2 sat out the season opener versus Florida Atlantic, as well as the monster showdown with Florida. His first minutes came against Savannah State, where he recorded one tackle. He nabbed his first sack of the season at South Florida, but last week with Georgia Tech and the triple option in town, the sophomore was again relegated to the role of spectator for most of the afternoon.

Defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio talked to Christy Cabrera Chirinos at the Sun-Sentinel days after Bush's season debut against Savannah State and admitted his star safety still had some kinks to work out.

"I think he was a little rusty to be honest with you. I think there’s no substitute like we talked about [for playing in games]. He was out here [at practice] doing quizzes, but when you get out there and it’s a test, teams are giving you something different that you haven’t seen…you have to play fast and communicate fast. He made progress over the two-week period, and he had to go play in a game to understand where he’s at right now."

Safeties Kacy Rodgers II and AJ Highsmith have been serviceable for Miami in Bush's absence, while sophomore Rayshawn Jenkins has two interceptions on the year. Still, the Hurricanes have hardly locked things down defensively—especially with the passing game.

Florida and Jeff Driskel put up 291 yards in the air and 413 yards overall, while Georgia Tech was good for 401 total, though 335 were on the ground. Outside of those two foes, Miami hasn't faced any stiff competition, but will down the stretch and are in need of another healthy, game-ready, hard-hitting safety.

The Hurricanes' October schedule lays out nicely in regards to Bush being eased back into the line-up. Miami has a 12-day breather between Georgia Tech last weekend and North Carolina next Thursday. From there, nine days off before Wake Forest treks south. The Tar Heels and Demon Deacons are a combined 4-7. 

Come November, the gloves are off and every game will have raised stakes as Miami travels to Florida State (11/2), welcomes Virginia Tech (11/9), heads to Duke (11/16), hosts Virginia (11/23) and wraps the regular season at Pitt (11/29).

If Bush can find the proper balance of rest, rehab and getting his game day swag back, the safety will again be a legitimate force when Miami needs him most. 


Follow Chris Bello on Twitter @allCanesBlog