Miami football coaching staff believes WR success is coming
The success of the intermediate passing game for the Miami football team has come at the expense of the deep passing game. That has hindered the success of the Hurricanes wide receivers except for K.J. Osborn.
There has been a lot of questioning of the Miami football team’s offense early in the season what is happening with the more experienced players at wide receiver. Jeff Thomas’ yards per reception is nearly half of his career average. After playing 15 snaps in the season opener, converted QB Tate Martell has yet to make an impact.
Thomas is averaging 8.1 yards per reception on 12 catches for 103 yards and nine yards per carry with three attempts for 27 yards. Miami needs Thomas to make big plays in the big games. It is going to be tough to rely on long drives once the ACC schedule kicks into gear. Miami’s offense has lacked big plays this season.
In the Miami Herald on Monday, columnist Barry Jackson quoted Manny Diaz from his Monday press conference saying that Thomas’ plummet in yards per catch is not the result of how the Hurricanes are using him. Miami head coach Manny Diaz echoed that earlier this season.
Several times this year mitigating circumstances on a play have missed Thomas being open on a play. Enos is regarded as an innovative offensive mind. Expect the Hurricanes new offensive coordinator to try and scheme a way to get him the football. Diaz discussed what has happened with Thomas this season.
"“There have been so many plays Jeff is on the back of a milk carton wide open for an explosive play [and not thrown the ball]…We know Jeff is a guy that can blow the top off a defense. I would file [his drop in big plays] under small sample size.”"
made a splash in the transfer portal when he decided to sign with Miami in January. When Martell lost out to be the Hurricanes first-team quarterback he went to Diaz and Enos and offered to switch to wide receiver. Martell brings a unique skill set to the gridiron. The Hurricanes have yet to take advantage of that.
Martell is one of the fastest, shiftiest players on the offense for the Miami football team. Enos is confident in the future for Martell at wide receiver. As the season progresses expect Martell to be incorporated more into the Hurricanes offense. Enos highlighted his reasons for his belief that Martell can be successful at WR.
"“He’s a natural ball catcher, good short-area quickness. He’s tough and competitive. Those are traits for a lot of guys I’ve had in the past. He’s going to be a good player.”"
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Once Martell is well versed on what his responsibilities are at wide receiver the Hurricanes can create confusion for opposing defenses. Martell, Thomas, DeeJay Dallas and Brevin Jordan all being lined up for Jarren Williams to throw to, hand the ball off or potentially for Dallas or Thomas to take a direct snap is intriguing.