Miami Hurricanes Football 2015: How to Replace Phillip Dorsett

To our knowledge, their is no one remaining on the roster nor any of the verbal commits, who has sub 4.2 speed.

So replacing 36 catches for an incredible 842 yards (eye popping 24.2 ypc) and 10 TDs, not to mention the mere threat of that kind of explosiveness, may be one of the more underrated tasks the 2015 Hurricanes will have to endeavor to achieve.

Brad Kaaya throws a beautiful deep ball.

But someone is going to have have the speed to go and and get it.

So which players will Kaaya look to, to fill the role of home run threat in 15'?

Let's take a look at their options.

Returning Players:

#1 Stacy Coley Jr- Coley did all kinds of spectacular his freshman year, only to crash and burn in 2014. It's time to toss the bubble screen to Coley in the trash can, and send the speedster down the field on some 9 routes. Coley came close to making a few Dorsett-esque plays in 2014 (notably Vs Duke & FSU) only to just miss making an impact.  He will get plenty of chances in 2015, and he'll need to hit a few to keep the defenses honest.

#2 Herb Waters Sr - What to make of Waters? We know he has 4.4 speed, and he has made some huge plays in his career at UM.  As a junior, however,  his longest catch on the season was just 28 yards.  Whether in the slot or on the outside, the Hurricanes needs the 6'2 198 pound speedster to be a more consistent play maker in the offense next season.

#3 Braxton Berrios So- Berrios seems better suited to do his damage as a slot player and pick up key third downs, than to go down the field and catch bombs.  But a player with his kind of burst and shiftiness could be utilized on some double moves effectively.  It will be interesting to see how Miami utilizes him going forward.

#4 Rashawn Scott RS Sr.- Perhaps the most intriguing prospect of all fro 2015 at the WR spot, is a potentially healthy and happy Scott.  The 6'2 Scott runs like a gazelle, and while not as fast as Dorsett is similarly graceful. 2 years ago he hauled in 35/512 (14.6 ypc) and even had an 87 yarder.   Scott has the ability to get vertical but also the size to make plays in the middle of field:

Other Possibilities: Tyre Brady Rs Fr. (more possession/red zone), D'Mauri Jones Jr. (similar attributes to Brady).

2015 Verbal Recruits:

Lawrence Cager -  Cager is more a physical, in your face/muscle you for the ball type, than a run past you on a vert type. But the talent is there, and you never know what role freshmen will find themselves in as they seek a niche.

Terrell Chatman - If you are capable of making catches like Odell Beckham Jr.,  who knows what else you can do?

Other possibilities:  Brandon Martin (another "big" WR prospect),  Antonio Calloway (Booker T Washington star announcing on NSD, we think we picks UM).

Summary:  To me, the burden of big plays in the passing game has to be shouldered first and foremost by Coley.  Scott would be next in line if he can stay on the field.  But Coley has by far the most explosive talent on the roster at the WR position, and Miami is going to have to utilize in in 2015 to make up for the loss of Dorsett. Waters and perhaps a few freshman could chip in as well, but a big bounce back season by Stacy Coley is the first priority to sustaining the vertical threat that PD imposed.

Stay tuned for more updates between now and NSD and beyond as we preview the 2015 Miami Hurricanes.