Miami Football: 3 Upperclassmen who need to step up in 2022

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Nov 20, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9) scrambles with the ball against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Tyler Van Dyke: Quarterback

Despite not being an upperclassman, quarterback Tyler Van Dyke is the most important player for Miami football and deserves to be on this list. The rising sophomore is coming off of a season where he was named ACC Freshman of the year.

Van Dyke threw for 2,931 yards, and 25 touchdowns against six interceptions. Van Dyke became the starter after incumbent D’Eriq King injured his shoulder and was lost for the rest of the season. After a rough couple of starts against Virginia and North Carolina (both losses), Van Dyke picked things up against North Carolina State throwing for 325 yards and four touchdowns.

He was off to the races then. After throwing three interceptions against North Carolina, Van Dyke threw three the rest of the season. Starting with the North Carolina State game, he threw three or more touchdowns in every other game that season.

Mario Cristobal and his offensive staff have to be excited they have a quarterback the caliber of Van Dyke in their first year in Coral Gables. As they build out the offense, having the quarterback addressed is a key in the building process.

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Cristobal does need to add weapons around him, however, The hope is Ladson finds himself and Jaylon Knighton takes another step as a receiver and runner as well.

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