Sophomore wide receiver Mike Harley got lost in the logjam of the Hurricanes wide receiver corps in 2017. The St. Thomas Aquinas alum produced nine receptions for 91 yards as a Freshman for the Miami football team last season.
Harley begins 2018 as second on the depth chart at slot receiver for the Miami football team. He will have a big challenge earning playing time this season. The only important wide receiver Miami lost after last season was leading receiver, Braxton Berrios.
Harley is known for his speed and ability as a blocker. He started five games in 2017 including the season opener against Bethune-Cookman. He ability as a blocker helped him significantly to earn his place atop the depth chart in those five games.
Harley and Jeff Thomas who is the first-team slot receiver remind some of former Miami football alums, Santana Moss and Devin Hester. Moss and Hester were undersized but their speed and shiftiness created havoc on opposing defenses.
Harley and Thomas’ speed complement the Hurricanes bigger receivers. Miami has eight scholarship receivers 6’1 or taller. Miami Offensive Coordinator Thomas Brown spoke to the Miami Herald about Harley and Thomas. Brown also discussed Harley’s work ethic.
"“Speed kills…Those guys can run, and run all day…Mike has been the same guy, for the most part, since he’s gotten here. He’s never had to be taught how to work. He gives it up every single day. He will fight you tooth and nail for every single inch there is on the football field.”"
Harley and Thomas were asked who was faster. Harley spoke to the Herald about his own speed and who would win in a race between him and Thomas.
"“The last time I was timed was on the track when I ran a 4.38 probably about two months ago. I was, like, kind of tight…Woooo!…It depends on the distance. If we run the 100, like, 60 on back, I know I have Jeff for a fact. But he’s quick, so his 40 he’ll get out. It’s a distance thing."
Harley and Thomas work well together despite the competition at the same position. Harley discussed their conversations about football and playing in the slot.
"“We always push each other. We watch film and it’s like, ‘You were supposed to make that play,’ or, we’ll crack jokes walking to dinner or whatever.He’ll teach me some tactics and I’ll teach him some hand placement. We’re the same speedy guys and we’re just small-frame bodied, so we have to do a lot more, like be a little quicker. We practice on our own sometimes, too.’’"
All of the Miami receivers have pressure to perform this season. Head Coach Mark RIcht has said that whoever they trust on the field will play. At this point, the only player that has permanently secured his position in the rotation at wide receiver is Ahmmon Richards.
To earn playing time, the Miami Coaching staff needs to see more consistency from Harley. He had only one game with two or more receptions in 2017. Harley recorded three receptions for 34 yards against Toledo. That included a 19-yard reception. Those were all career highs. The 19-yard catch was more yards than any other game.