Hyundai Sun Bowl Player Spotlight: Freshman Wide Receiver Lawrence Cager

The Hurricanes will be without sophomore wide receiver Tyre Brady for the Hyundai Sun Bowl, who's been suspended since Miami's matchup with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets for a violation of team rules. This opens the door for young receivers like Braxton Berrios, David Njoku, and Lawrence Cager to prosper.

Saturday's Hyundai Sun Bowl will mark the fourth game Tyre Brady has missed because of a suspension. Before his three-game suspension stretch to end the season, Brady was suspended for Miami's opener against Bethune-Cookman. After making eight appearances and three starts in 2015, Brady appeared destined for a starting role in the coming seasons. However, with suspensions continuing to be a problem and a new coaching staff arriving soon, Tyre Brady's future at Miami may be in question.

Tyre Brady had nine receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown this season. His longest reception, a 34-yard catch, came in Miami's overtime win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Brady set his career high in receiving yards against the Cincinnati Bearcats with 54 yards.

With Tyre Brady being suspended for a good part of 2015, the Hurricanes' offense should be used to filling the void. In Brady's absence, several receivers made up for the loss. While upperclassmen like Malcolm Lewis may naturally be the first replacement options, a few underclassmen have made a case for playing time.

We've seen how explosive sophomore Braxton Berrios and redshirt freshman David Njoku can be in the receiving game. Both show good potential, but are not the youngest of the pack to receive burn this season. Receiver Lawrence Cager came to the Hurricanes with great size and speed, and a considerable amount of swag; everything you ask for from a University of Miami wideout.

Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 215 pounds, Lawrence Cager, a former four-star prospect, chose the Hurricanes over the Alabama Crimson Tide, and several others. After arriving in Coral Gables in June, Cager made progress during his first offseason, which led to 10 appearances and one start as a true freshman in 2015. Lawrence Cager finished the regular season with eight receptions for 70 yards, including one touchdown.

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As the season wore on, Lawrence Cager saw an increase in playing time on offense. Following his first touchdown reception against the North Carolina Tar Heels, Cager received his first start against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. If that momentum continues, Lawrence Cager could be an effective weapon on Saturday, December 26 in the Hyundai Sun Bowl against the Washington State Cougars.