Miami Football: Top 3 breakout candidates for 2021 season

Miami football quietly showed improvement in year two under Manny Diaz. The Hurricanes won eight games and won their bowl game had D’Eriq King not gotten injured during the game.

This season, the Hurricanes look to make another leap in the conference and contend for the Coastal division and play for the ACC title. To do this, the Hurricanes need a combination of returning players and new talent to play well.

Though they did not make this list of three, the offensive line is possibly the most critical group for Miami’s success. The offensive line played well against lesser competition but struggled against the better defenses in the ACC.

For Miami to reach the conference title game for the second time since joining the conference, the offensive line has to play well against the likes of Pitt and North Carolina in the Coastal division. The line will have its baptism by fire as Miami opens the season against Alabama.

Fortunately for Miami, King returned to school for his extra season of eligibility. His addition to the team paid huge dividends both on the field and in the locker room.

Here are three other players slated to have breakout seasons for the Hurricanes.