DeeJay Dallas Off To A Quick Start In 2019

Against Bethune-Cookman this past Saturday, junior running back DeeJay Dallas notched another career high stat line, as he scored three touchdowns for the first time as a Hurricane. Those scores went along with his 108-yard performance as Miami strolled to a 63-0 victory for the teams first win of 2019.

Now into his third season in Coral Gables, the “Ambassador” has become the starting running back for Miami after learning from Travis Homer in 2017 and 2018. As a freshman, DeeJay bursted onto the scene, scoring touchdowns from the wildcat formation and exciting fans with his overall love and passion for the program.

Last season, Dallas was more of a constant in the UM backfield, as he and Homer were a great one-two punch carrying the football. DeeJay finished with 617 rushing yards and six touchdowns, leading Miami in all-purpose yards. Now that Homer is on the Seahawks and doing his thing in the NFL, Dallas is Miami’s number-one back.

Through the first three games of 2019, it’s clear that Dallas isn’t just ready to take on the starting role, but he’s flourishing in it. In those three weeks, DeeJay has already rushed for 309 yards, four touchdowns and is averaging an incredible 8.4 yards per carry.

Against the Florida Gators in the Canes first game, Dallas showed off his skills in a plethora of ways. First it was off a screen during a scoring drive in the second quarter, where he pulled in a Jarren Williams throw with one hand, and proceeds to break tackles and picks up a significant gain for first down.

Then in the fourth quarter, Dallas gave us a memorable touchdown run from the wildcat, where he broke through several Gator defenders and took it 50 yards to the house.

Something that is clear about Dallas’ game is that he definitely seems quicker in the open field in 2019. This past Saturday against Bethune, #13 showed off that breakaway speed as he galloped 51-yards for a touchdown. DeeJay’s speed and also ability to break tackles is a testament to the training provided by strength and conditioning coach David Feeley in the offseason.

DeeJay’s running style goes perfectly with the Dan Enos offense, and also creates another dynamic one-two punch at running back, this time with sophomore Cam’Ron Harris. So far this season, Dallas has been able to provide the quickness while Harris has been the battering ram pounding through the middle of the defense.

Against the Tar Heels two weeks ago, the two combined for 167 yards, and that was with a holding call taking away a 50-yard plus run by Harris. In short, the two are going to be continue to be an effective weapon for Miami’s offense.

The Hurricanes are also hoping that fellow sophomore running back Lorenzo Lingard can add another level of skill to the rushing attack, as he looks to overcome his injury suffered last year.

Off to the best start of his career thus far, you can expect to see even more of Dallas as the 2019 season rolls along for the Hurricanes.