Miami Hurricanes 2017 Player Preview: WR Lawrence Cager

Lawrence Cager returns to the Miami Hurricanes after missing the 2016 season with a torn ACL. He is listed as a starter at the wide receiver Y position

Aside from 2016 Freshman All-American Ahmmon Richards, there is not a lot of proven wide receivers on the Miami Hurricanes roster. Cager and Braxton Berrios are expected to start opposite Richards at wide receiver.

Cager was a three-star recruit and the Miami Hurricanes highest rated wide receiver in the Class of 2015. That was Al Golden’s last recruiting class.

Cager came to Miami from Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, Maryland in 2015. He was the 42nd ranked wide receiver and seventh ranked player in Maryland in 2015.

As a Freshman for the Miami Hurricanes in 2015, Cager caught eight passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. That team was lead at wide receiver by Rashawn Scott and Herb Waters who went on to the NFL after the season and Stacy Coley who departed after 2016.

One of the quieter question marks heading into 2017 is replacing Coley. Coley led Miami in receptions and receiving touchdowns in 2016. He set career highs in 2016 with 63 receptions, 754 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

Cager is going to give whoever is under center for Miami excellent size at wide receiver. He is listed at 6’5 218 pounds. Cager flashed a lot of potential during his freshman season and during the 2016 spring game.

Cager caught five passes for 58 yards and a touchdown in the Spring 2016 exhibition. He is regarded as an intelligent player who studies the game. The Hurricanes are hoping he is recovered from the knee injury and can complement Richards this season.

Cager told Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post:

"“I’ve really been focused on the mental part of the game…Learning all different types of coverages, how to identify them quickly. Learning the game on a whole ‘nother level. From a coach’s standpoint. That’s when you really can understand why they might call this type of play, this type of route, this type of coverage. It makes you better.”"

Porter reported that Cager was held out of contact drills in the spring. The coaching staff is planning on being cautious with Cager when camp opens on Tuesday.

Cager has been running, catching passes and lifting throughout the summer according to Porter. Cager is confident that he will be able to return to full strength when the season commences September 2.

"“Doing everything I could before, almost better than I was…Knee’s feeling great. Just happy to be back. Been away from the game way too long. Every moment I have right now is a blessing.”"

Cager will be one of the Miami Hurricanes receivers seeking to replace David Njoku and Coley as the go receivers in the red zone. He is one of a handful of receivers Miami has 6’3 and taller.

Among the three listed starting wide receivers Cager is by far the tallest. Berrios is only 5’9 and Richards is 6’1. Cager and Berrios are going to have to hold off a talented group of returning receivers behind them.

Next: Miami Hurricanes Commit Brian Hightower Will Take Official Visits

Cager and Berrios are going to have to hold off a talented group of returning receivers behind them. Miami also brings in the talented freshmen trio of wide receivers Jeff Thomas, DeeJay Dallas and Mike Harley.