Increased Speed Could Make Big Impact for Miami Hurricanes in 2017
The Miami Hurricanes lost nine players to the NFL Draft after the 2016 season. A few others signed on as undrafted free agents. An infusion of speed could give Miami some play makers on offense to replace the losses offensively.
Stacy Coley and David Njoku’s departures to the NFL cost the Miami Hurricanes 17 of their 27 receiving touchdowns from a season ago. An infusion of speed in the Freshmen class could bring in a dimension not seen for a few years at Hard Rock Stadium.
The coordinators and position coaches that work with these players on a daily basis are impressed by what the Freshman receivers have shown so far and what they can bring to the team this season.
Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz relayed his thoughts (but wasn’t quoted directly) about the Hurricanes speed to the Miami Herald.
"(The offense will be) dramatically different – and thus more difficult to defend – UM’s offense will be with its infusion of speed at receiver."
Malik Rosier who is likely to be the quarterback when the Miami Hurricanes open the season September 2 against Bethune Cookman agreed with Diaz sentiments.
"“I agree with that 100 percent…We had speed before, but I don’t think we had this much speed. Coach [Mark] Richt is very big on stretching the field, making the defense cover the whole field and not just portions of the field.”"