D’Eriq King very aware of expectations for him here at Miami

The moment that former Houston quarterback D’Eriq King decided that he would join the Miami Hurricanes, sky-high expectations followed. The 5’11 gunslinger has a unique ability to make plays and put points on the board. King alone was responsible for 50 touchdowns during the 2018 campaign.

King redshirted after playing in four games in the 2019 season and eventually elected to transfer. The Hurricanes, coming off a 6-7 season that finished on a three-game losing streak, may have not been the most ideal spot at the time. That is, until Rhett Lashlee was hired.

“He was at SMU when I was at Houston,” King told reporters Wednesday afternoon during a National Signing Day press conference. “Same look on offense he ran and I think that I was a good fit for his offense.

It wasn't just the offense, however. The players at Miami made a strong push for King and that was just as important for him. Players on the team made him feel comfortable and he said that helped Manny Diaz and the Hurricanes land his talents.

And the city sold itself to the Houston, Texas native who responded with a smirk about what impressed him about the University of Miami’s campus.

“Everything. It’s Miami,” King said.

But King is going to have to prove that he can still be that same guy in a power five conference to a strong fan base that has set high standards for him and the Hurricanes in 2020. And he only has one year to do it as a fifth-year senior.

“I know the history behind this program and I know where it’s been. I know Coach Diaz and everybody is trying to get it back to where it’s been,” King said. “So, for me, I have one year left and I’m here to win as many games as possible. My ultimate goal is to go 12-0 this year and wherever that takes us, that’s where it takes us. So I’m gonna do everything I can and do everything to help my teammates and everybody in the whole program reach back to the ultimate height.”

Quincy Roche, a grad transfer from Temple who was the AAC Defensive Player of the Year last season after a 13 sack and 19 tackle for loss season, played against King during their time spent in the same conference.

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

“One of the most dynamic players I ever played against,” said Roche. “His ability to run the ball is second to none. While we can still run, he can still throw the ball, so he’s really a dynamic player... I’m kind of happy I don't have to play against him.”

King and Roche will be in live action for the first time as Miami Hurricanes when they open up spring practice Feb. 29th.