2018 Pinstripe Bowl Player Profile: DeeJay Dallas

When you look back at the history of the University of Miami and their football program, players with passion are ones that stay in your mind forever. Ray Lewis, Michael Irvin, Ed Reed, all these guys and many more have exemplified their fiery love for the U. Now in 2018, sophomore running back DeeJay Dallas has taken on that role, becoming the heartbeat for these Canes.

As apart of the 2017 recruiting class, Dallas shined in high school, playing nearly every position available at Glynn Academy before committing to UM.

The sophomore from Georgia burst onto the scene for Miami towards the later-end of the 2017 season. When starting back Mark Walton was lost for the year due to injury, the coaches switched Dallas from receiver to running-back. Touchdown runs against Notre Dame and Wisconsin, as well as his ability to run the wildcat formation effectively, gave us a glimpse into Dallas’ future at Miami.

Coming into 2018, Miami would again have several running-backs to choose from, including Dallas, Travis Homer and freshman Lorenzo Lingard. Dallas came into the season bulked up at 225 pounds, and helped his fellow RB’s carry the load for Mark Richt’s offense.

Right from the start in the season opener against LSU, it was obvious that we’d be seeing a lot from Dallas. Against Toledo, Duke and North Carolina, Dallas rushed for over 100 yards. In the pouring-rain against the Blue Devils, Dallas enjoyed his best day as a Hurricane, a career-long run 83-yards for a touchdown, and finishing with 124 yards for the day, another career-best.

Not only did Dallas finish the 2018 regular season rushing for 609 yards and six touchdowns, he was multi-dimensional for a Miami team that desperately needed points throughout the year, leading the Hurricanes with 1,162 all-purpose yards. The Canes used Dallas on punt and kick returns, and returned a punt back 65-yards against Pitt for a touchdown.

During 2018, #13 emerged as a fan-favorite, due to love for the Miami program. Prior to the Toledo game in September, Dallas was asked about the Rockets and their upset mentality going into the matchup, in-which the Georgia native responded to reporters, “We’re built to crush dreams, that’s what we do.” Dallas also received praised for his standing up for quarterback Malik Rosier, and staying positive during a tough 7-5 season for the Canes.

Known by some as “the ambassador” of the program because of his unwavering passion and loyalty for Miami, as well as reaching out to recruits, Dallas and the Canes will look to finish this rollercoaster of a season on a high note, with a three-game win-streak and a bowl victory over the Badgers of Wisconsin.

In last years Orange Bowl verse this same Wisconsin team, Dallas was one of the main offensive contributors for the Hurricanes in a 34-24 loss, rushing for 69 yards and a touchdown.

The 7-5 Badgers have been streaky on defense against the run game all season ranking 57th in the nation, and playing in cold New York City, Miami will most likely be running Dallas and the other running-backs all day.