Could Miami Hurricanes be Making Moves at Running Back?
The Miami Hurricanes lack depth at running back. Mark Richt is looking to a few sources to try and change that. Reports are that Richt is considering moving an existing player to the position and/or going after graduate transfer to add to the team for 2017.
A report in the Miami Herald says that Richt is considering the position change of one of his current players and/or going after a graduate transfer because the Miami offensive coaching staff is concerned about the lack of depth behind returning starter Mark Walton and backup Travis Homer.
The Hurricanes other backups at running back are both coming off of injuries in 2016. Incoming freshman Robert Burns missed almost his entire senior season with an ankle injury. He had only nine carries last year.
Trayone Gray missed all of 2016 after tearing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament during drills in pre-season practice in August. Burns is expected to be ready for spring drills that commence next month, but Gray’s status appears to be unknown per the Herald report.
Miami offensive coordinator Thomas Brown spoke to the Palm Beach Post in December about Gray’s progress:
"“He’s doing well,” Brown said. “He’s coming along. There’s still a ways to go with the recovery process. He’s getting bigger, being in the weight room and being able to lift a lot more. I think after the season we’ll start to run more, straight-ahead, change-of-direction drills, and see how he progresses.”"
Gray was a three star prospect out of Carol City High School. He has 29 carries for 169 yards and three touchdowns during his collegiate career. The majority of his work came during the 2015 season.
One of the grad transfers Miami is reportedly targeting is former Clemson Running Back Tyshon Dye. Dye rushed for 351 yards and five touchdowns in three seasons with the Tigers. As we reported earlier this month”
"“Miami is one among 13 schools that have contacted Baker about playing for them per Porter. Oklahoma State and Texas Tech are among the other schools. The 5’11 180 pound cornerback will make his official visits in the spring. He expects to tour Miami, Florida International, Florida Atlantic and Central Florida during spring break next month.”"
Related Story: Miami Hurricanes Hot After Clemson Grad Transfers
Another potential transfer at running back is former Iowa running back Derrick Mitchell Jr. Mitchell who came to Iowa as an athlete/wide receiver was switched to running back.
He ran for 174 yards on 27 carries and three touchdowns and had 165 yards receiving on 21 receptions with the Hawkeyes. The bulk of his work came during the 2015 season.
Related Story: Iowa Football: Derrick Mitchell Jr To Transfer
Miami lost Joseph Yearby a year early to the NFL. Gus Edwards who passed Yearby on the depth chart announced he was leaving Miami as a graduate transfer to be closer to his Staten Island, NY home, but he has not signed anywhere yet.
There were reports that Edwards was interested in Syracuse and Rutgers. Miami Athletic Director Blake James supposedly would not let Edwards transfer to a school on Miami’s 2017 schedule. Miami hosts Syracuse October 21.
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It’s unknown who Richt would consider moving the running back. The most likely candidate would be incoming freshman DeeJay Dallas. Dallas is listed as an athlete and was an option quarterback in high school.