Ramani Bruton is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound Class of 2025 defensive back of J.L Mann High School in Greenville, SC who is earning the attention of collegiate coaches as his senior season approaches.
Bruton has tendered offers from Georgia State, Marshall, Limestone, and the University of North Carolina-Pembroke. And he is hearing of interest from programs like Buffalo, James Madison, and Eastern Tennessee State.
Bruton’s efforts at Greenville High School in 2023 are part of why he has already turned the heads of coaches in the Sun Belt Conference and across the United Stares. The speedy, athletic defender was a high-flying contributor on a Red Raiders team who finished 10-4 and made a deep run in the 4A state playoffs in 2023.
Bruton made plays across the field under the “Friday Night Lights of the Upstate” last fall, recording 28 solo tackles and five interceptions. Then, this spring, the rising senior took his talents across town, transferring to the talent-laden 5A J.L Mann Patriots.
Combining the raw athleticism of he and impact transfer LaDainnian Martin, a special running back from Greer High School who rumbled for nearly 1,000 yards last season, the Patriots will have the chance to be special in 2024.
And while Mann must replace quarterback Ethan Anderson, who signed with head coach Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers as a preferred walk-on, the combination of Burton, Martin, and other top players could be the recipe needed for the Patriots to hoist the state title trophy this season.
Mann finished 11-3 in 2023, only falling to state powerhouse Dutch Fork in the semifinals last season.
Here’s how Bruton’s skillset could bring momentum to his new team and potentially figure into a Division 1 or FCS program in the future:
“Underrated player with fluid hips, exciting backpedaling ability, and a nose for the football. Recorded 11 total interceptions in last two seasons with Greenville. Good anticipation and change of direction. The athlete with game-breaking speed made an impact with the Red Raiders, and he’s working harder than ever during this offseason."
Bruton is twitchy and has quick, immediate instincts from the snap. He eyes the quarterback and reads situation before the play.
Bruton has the ability to hunt down receivers on short-range passes and stop them in their tracks, utilizing his good speed. Then, he plays old school football, getting low, wrapping up, and finishing his recievers with physical, exciting hits.
He could improve on the angles he takes on ballcarriers, but Bruton’s dogged dedication is on full display at the 2:15 mark, where he sacrificed his body to make a tackle. And that is a highlight to remember which is reminiscent of a college-ready player. Button further proves this at 2:26.
He creates boundaries around his opponent, using his arms like barriers and pushing the player to the sidelines. And that is a factor that could be considered by major, Division 1 programs.
Bruton clearly didn’t grade out on that trait at 2:29 against a player from Byrnes, but his all-out heart is on display again in this sequence. After originally being outmuscled, Bruton completed a 360-degree turnaround, sped 10 yards down the field, and made a full-body extension to defend a slant route intended for his opponent.
He is a good player who still has marks to improve on, but Bruton is committed to finishing the job on the gridiron. Look for him to sign with a Group of Five program with a potential chance to play at the Power Four level after developing and hitting the transfer portal.
BRUTON OFFERED BY GEORGIA STATE
“Getting my second Division 1 offer from (Georgia State) just felt incredibly rewarding and validating. I was so read to take on the opportunity that I was thankfully rewarded. It was one of the most indescribable things ever. It just shows how much my hard work and dedication is paying off. But the grind doesn’t stop here. I have to strive to keep working for more and find areas to improve and elevate my game and become a better player on and off the field.
Overall, I have been nothing but blessed to receive this and many more opportunities. Without God, I couldn’t have done it. It’s nothing but up from here."
COACHES’ CORNER
Kevin Washington, former star at Carson-Newman College and owner of You’re Next Training, and Blitz 7-on-7, has coached Bruton for two seasons. And here is what he had to say about Bruton and the skillset and intangibles he believes the player brings to the table:
“Two words: ballhawk. (Bruton) makes clutch plays in critical moments of the game. He’s instinctive, has great eyes, and plays fast. And he is rarely out of position,” he said.
“(Bruton) is very coachable, and understands all coverages and his teammates’ responsibilities. Ramani can receive information and apply it instantly. This kid will be playing on Saturdays,” he said.
