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Miami Player Profile: Phillip Dorsett

In an effort to keep even the most hardcore Miami fan up to date on their favorite players, SOTU will be running a Player Profile series. In these posts, our writers will profile two players from each position that they think should get more face time. They will recap their previous year, or in some cases, preview what may be to come. That way, when the season get's here, you hopefully will have a new found love for the team on the field.

By Jerry Steinberg
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Phillip Dorsett

Senior - WR - 5'10 185 - Ft Lauderdale, Fl (St Thomas Aquinas)

It's not everyday that you come across a player with 4.29 speed who is "under the radar."  But Dorsett is a guy suddenly finds himself overshadowed by bigger names/situations such as Duke Johnson, Stacy Coley, and whomever starts for UM at QB.

Plagued at times by drops his sophomore year (yet still produced 58 catches-842 yards-4 tds), and slowed by injuries last year (13-272-2),  PD is still a consistent threat to produce huge plays in the passing game.

It would be a major mistake for any of Miami's opponents to overlook Dorsett.

With Stephen Morris now graduated, there is a pretty good chance that the 'Canes passing game takes a slightly less vertical approach with either Kevin Olsen, Brad Kaaya, or Ryan Williams under center.

But Dorsett is the kind of player who only needs to touch the ball 1 or 2 times to have a major impact.

I expect Coley to emerge as the team's go to receiver.  Malcolm Lewis, Herb Waters, and Rashawn Scott are also viable options on the outside.

But PD is still the guy who is best suited to take the top off the defense.

Summary: UM is likely going to be a run first team this year led by Johnson, Gus Edwards, and freshman Joe Yearby.  But should teams try to sneak 8 in the box, it is important that Dorsett be healthy and reliable as a big play threat.  Look for 25-30 catches and about 5-6 TDs from him this year, but his impact to be be much bigger than the numbers.  PD should also see some time in the return game, so long as he proves to be dependable with the ball.

Stay tuned for more player profiles as we countdown to Louisville on Labor Day.