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Keep in mind that this depth chart is not official and is based on all the information and intel gathered from Miami’s two private scrimmages and their main spring game played at Hard Rock Stadium.
I decided to include players who did not participate in spring football due to injuries in order to better reflect the roster that will face off against Alabama on September 4th.
Quarterbacks
QB1: D’Eriq King
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Despite an ACL tear suffered in Miami’s bowl game loss to Oklahoma State this past December, King is expected to be back from rehab in time for fall camp. The Houston transfer led Miami to their first 8-win season since 2017. This team will go as far as King takes them.
QB2: Tyler Van Dyke
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TVD has been one of the most talked about players this spring. The freshman didn’t see much action this past season, but was able to learn the Rhett Lashlee offense behind King and N’Kosi Perry. With D’Eriq King recovering from a torn ACL. TVD was Miami’s top quarterback this spring. He has shown poise in the pocket and is able to use his big build and physicality to avoid sacks.
TYLER. VAN. DYKE. pic.twitter.com/t9v2PWkcnB
— Canes Access (@CanesAccess) March 28, 2021
QB3: Jake Garcia
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California’s very own, Jake Garcia has impressed many over the past couple months since first stepping foot on campus. Garcia was originally limited with a lower leg injury, but has been incredible in Miami’s scrimmages. One comparison I’ve heard has been Jared Goff with the mobility of Baker Mayfield. While these are very lofty comparisons, Garcia will have to work his way up the ladder to get playing time at Miami. The gap between Van Dyke and Jake is a thin one. The battle for the starting quarterback job in 2022 should be one of the biggest storylines to look out for in the future.
Jake Garcia with a 52-yard pass to Mark Pope pic.twitter.com/6gy3GWGfLH
— Christopher Stock (@InsideTheU) April 17, 2021
Running Backs
RB1: Don Chaney Jr
Don Chaney is going to be a name to know for all college football fans. His work ethic has been top notch and his physical traits and skills are some of the best to step onto Greentree in some time. Chaney suffered a shoulder injury just before Miami’s second scrimmage, and underwent minor surgery to repair it. He is expected to be back in time for the opener against Alabama.
Here’s the long TD run from Don Chaney yesterday. #RB1 pic.twitter.com/PWuV7YJnhZ
— Canes Access (@CanesAccess) March 28, 2021
RB2: Cam’Ron Harris
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RB3: Jaylan Knighton
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Last season’s lead back has chosen to return to Miami for one more year. Harris has experience, with two seasons of major playing time in the backfield. He may have been leapfrogged by Chaney, but Harris has not lost a step. The Canes find themselves in a good spot at the position, with three more than capable players ready to step up.
Knighton finds himself in a similar situation as last year. “Rooster” has had a great spring showing, starting over Cam Harris in Miami’s final spring game. He had a great 27-yard TD in the game. His speed and explosiveness could be what sets him apart from Miami’s other backs.
Rooster House Call
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) April 17, 2021
Watch on @accnetwork: https://t.co/j8w6YrOgtr pic.twitter.com/61Sg4aMu4c
Wide Receivers
WR1: Mike Harley Jr
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WR2: Charleston Rambo
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Harley and Rambo might not be true number one options, but they combine to make one of the best WR duos in the ACC. Harley stepped up when the Canes needed it last season, and now has a chance to break Miami’s all time receiving yards record. (Needs 48 receptions and 932 receiving yards to break the Miami Hurricanes record for each stat.)
1️⃣1️⃣ and 3️⃣ are going to be FUN to watch this fall.@CharlestonRambo brings Team Hurricane into the red zone, @MikeHarleyjr finishes it off.
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) April 17, 2021
Watch on @accnetwork: https://t.co/j8w6YrOgtr pic.twitter.com/j85Q0Hgsk9
The addition of Rambo from the transfer portal gives Miami another reliable wideout. He has shown good speed and is rangier than expected. He showed out in Miami’s final two scrimmages. Rambo is a clear upgrade over last year’s secondary targets at the wide receiver position.
WR3: Keyshawn Smith
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The Keyshawn Smith hype train has left the station. Canes Twitter has been talking about the promise of Keyshawn Smith since he became a Hurricane last year. This spring he has dealt with an ankle problem, but came back in time to show the staff and fans how much he has improved. Smith has bulked up to 185 lbs since last season. He has the tools, now we need to see him consistently put it together.
Keyshawn Smith hauls in a 32-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Rizk pic.twitter.com/8wSGF6XS7C
— Christopher Stock (@InsideTheU) April 17, 2021
WR4: Xavier Restrepo
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Restrepo has become somewhat of a Greentree legend over the past 12 months. Last fall, he shocked everyone with his scrimmage numbers, but we didn’t see X much during the season, outside of a few punt return spots. He seems to have replicated his performances last fall in each of the three scrimmages this spring. Restrepo has been the top playmaker for the Canes over the past few months. Many are comparing him to Braxton Berrios, and honestly I agree. Both share traits you want in your slot receiver. Restrepo has a good shot at getting playing time this year.
Tyler Van Dyke with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Restrepo pic.twitter.com/0sHC7rIWlq
— Christopher Stock (@InsideTheU) April 17, 2021
WR5: Mark Pope
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WR6: Dee Wiggins
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Mark Pope and Dee Wiggins were Miami’s number two and three options at the position last year, but finds themselves on the fringe this year. Both had inconsistencies that plagued them the entire season. Pope had his moments last season, particularly when he was used in the slot. However, the addition of Charleston Rambo and rise of Xavier Restrepo, have pushed Pope down in the rotation.
Tight End
TE1 Will Mallory
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With Brevin Jordan declaring for the NFL Draft, one would assume the tight end position would be a weakness for the Canes this season. They would be very wrong. Will Mallory steps up to fill right in for Jordan in the starting offense. Mallory excelled whenever his name has been called over the last two seasons when Jordan has missed time. What Mallory might lack in of run after the catch ability, he makes up for with his size and secure hands. Will missed all of spring football, but don’t get it twisted, he’s THE GUY at the position.
TE2 Elijah Arroyo
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This was perhaps the toughest pick that I had to make. Arroyo is a highly touted incoming freshman who has the potential to grow into the starting role over the next few years. Like Mallory, he missed all of spring football. Larry Hodges had a great chance to show us what he’s made of, but a team rule violation kept him out of Miami’s final spring game.
Offensive Line
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If I had to name a starting five at OL, It would be as follows:
- LT: Zion Nelson
- LG: Jalen Rivers
- C: Corey Gaynor
- RG: Navaughn Donaldson
- RT: Delone Scaife
A position battle to watch is right tackle. Jarrid Williams started for Miami last season, but a position switch for Delone Scaife has created a competition for the starting spot. Scaife looks much better at tackle than he did at guard, and has done a solid job. Williams missed some time due to health and safety protocols, which led to more reps for Scaife.