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The Miami Hurricanes will be having their second scrimmage of fall camp this Saturday, and there are several players to watch out for, and some that have something to prove.
Let’s take a look first at offensive players.
- D’Eriq King
King had a solid first scrimmage at quarterback, going 15-26, 187 yards and 4 touchdowns through the air, those are the kind of numbers we love to see. Heading into Saturday, King being consistent at QB is something to look for, a quality which Miami has been without at quarterback for years. I also want to find out more about which receivers King is connecting with. Judging from what I've heard so far in fall camp, it’s been senior Mike Harley, who caught two touchdowns on Sunday.
What do you rate this D’Eriq King TD pass to Mike Harley in the back corner on the dime meter? ( Miami Athletics) pic.twitter.com/Aze9qsQdGw
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 17, 2020
2. Brevin Jordan
Miami’s junior tight end was out for the first scrimmage, and it hasn’t been confirmed whether or not he’ll be playing on Saturday. Though if he is, I'm very interested to see what Jordan does. Coming off a 2019 season where he saw action in just 9 games, Jordan knows this is an important year for him, and his importance for the Canes offense can’t be understated. When he’s healthy, he’s the best tight end in the country, but he hasn’t finished a season without injury in his first two years. Saturday will be a big moment in Jordan’s return in 2020, and what he can do with King at quarterback.
Manny Diaz says "handful" of guys did not participate in Sunday scrimmage. Brevin Jordan was one of them with a minor issue. Diaz said Jordan returned to practice today, and no one who missed has serious injury.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 18, 2020
3. Ousman Traore
The redshirt sophomore barely saw the field in 2019, after transferring to Miami last summer from Hutchinson (KS) C.C. Traore was supposedly working with the first team offensive line in the first scrimmage, lining up at left guard. Back in the spring, I said that Traore was a player to watch out for, and now that Navaughn Donaldson is redshirting this season, Traore is a strong candidate to start. If he can be solid again on Saturday, it’ll answer a lot of questions for Canes fans.
Grinding with John Campbell and Ousman Traore...Stay ready @GarinJustice @CanesFootball @GabyUrrutia22 pic.twitter.com/WGgXBkruW5
— Torrian Wilson (@craftinglinemen) July 5, 2020
4. Jaylan Knighton
First year running back Jaylan Knighton had all Canes fans buzzing after Sunday, when he rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown in the first scrimmage. Like King at quarterback, the biggest question will be if Knighton can consistently pick up yards on the ground. Cam’ron Harris will be playing Saturday after sitting out the first scrimmage, so it’ll be interesting to see how he does, and how the duo of Harris and Knighton performs.
Jaylan. Knighton.
— Marsh (@hurricanesmarsh) August 17, 2020
10 carries, 126 yards and a touchdown.
RUN ROOSTER RUN
5. Jeremiah Payton
Payton has been receiving high praise recently, especially after WR coach Rob Likens said Payton has first round talent and potential. On Sunday, Payton had 3 catches, for 26 yards and a touchdown. It has been reported however, that Mark Pope, Mike Harley Jr. and Dee Wiggins are separating themselves from the other receivers. With high expectations facing him, Payton will look to have a big performance at the second scrimmage.
Rob Likens on Jeremiah Payton: "His talent level is as good as anybody I've ever coached." Likens includes the first-rounders he has coached with that quote.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 11, 2020