Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Miami Football: Top 3 breakout candidates for 2021 season

By Dante Pryor

Oct 19, 2019; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes mascot Sebastian (left) runs out with head coach Manny Diaz (right) before a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2019; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes mascot Sebastian (left) runs out with head coach Manny Diaz (right) before a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Miami’s Jaylan Knighton spreads his arms as he swooped into the end zone easily after a 50-plus yard TD run against the Cards during the Louisville-Miami game Saturday night. Sept. 19, 2020Louisville Vs. Miami 2020
Miami’s Jaylan Knighton spreads his arms as he swooped into the end zone easily after a 50-plus yard TD run against the Cards during the Louisville-Miami game Saturday night. Sept. 19, 2020Louisville Vs. Miami 2020 /

2. Jaylan Knighton

Knighton is expected to have a big season because he needs to have a big season. Even if quarterback D’Eriq King is healthy enough to play the early part of the season, the running aspect of his game will be limited after an ACL injury in the bowl game last season. Also, the running game needs more explosive plays.

With King limited as a runner, Knighton becomes the Hurricanes’ most explosive runner. Fellow backfield mate Cam’Ron Harris is the more physical of the two runners. Knighton is also a threat in the passing game.

For Knighton to have a big season, two things need to happen offensively. First, Knighton needs more carries. In fact, Knighton needs to be the focal point of the running game with Harris and freshman Donal Chaney Jr. as more of a change of pace. Those carries should come since King will be limited as his knee continues to recover.

Second, the running game has to be more consistent. That is as much about the offensive line play as it is about the offense’s commitment to running the football. The offensive line has to play better against the better defenses in the ACC.

Last season the Hurricanes averaged less than four yards per carry against Pitt, Clemson, North Carolina, Virginia, and Virginia Tech. If those numbers improve, so will the running game.

Home/Miami Hurricanes