The Miami Hurricanes are looking to forge a new identity on offense in 2020. After years of struggle — various struggles, really — there’s hope that new coaches, new schemes, and new players will help the Canes find the kind of offensive success that has eluded them for several years.

Among the new faces looking to have an impact on the offense in 2020 is freshman WR Keyshawn Smith. The former San Diego (CA) Lincoln standout took a circuitous route to get to Miami, to say the least.

Initially, Smith committed to and signed with Washington State. But when former coach Mike Leach left for Mississippi State, Smith was able to be released from his NLI. Shortly thereafter, he made contact with TE coach Stephen Field, with whom Smith had a previous relationship from Field’s time at the University of Oregon. Some things were looked at, some moves were made, and Smith was admitted to UM and enrolled on the last day to add a class for the spring, caught a red eye flight, and was in class the next day, joining the team as an early enrollee on about 48 hours notice.

While that recruiting story is fun and quite different than most you’ll ever see, let it not go unsaid that the reason Smith is at Miami is he can PLAY. One of the biggest steals in the 2020 recruiting class, Smith has good size, speed, and dynamic playmaking ability, all thigns that Miami has missed from the receiver position since Ahmmon Richards was forced to medically retire 2 years ago.

With new OC Rhett Lashlee on hand, Miami is looking for players to step into roles on offense. And Smith has showed well so far during fall camp and could very well work his way not only into the rotation this year, but he could be a starting WR for the Canes, if things go his way.

Whether he starts, plays, or redshirts as a freshman, the future for Keyshawn Smith is very bright, and I, for one, cannot wait to see what he’s able to do on the field this season and beyond.

Go Canes