The Miami football program is likely to be considered by four-star running back Jaylen Knighton who announced he was de-committing from Florida State on Monday following the Seminoles dismissing head coach Willie Taggart on Sunday.
Four-star running back Jaylen Knighton was the highest-ranked offensive player in Florida State’s 2020 recruiting class and their second highest-ranked player overall. If Knighton signed with the Miami football program he would give the Hurricanes an outstanding duo at running back for the second time in three recruiting classes.
The Miami football program signed Cam’Ron Harris and Lorenzo Lingard in 2018. Lingard is redshirting this season after not being able to recover fully from a torn ACL sustained as a freshman in 2018. Harris has 337 yards rushing and three touchdowns and 11 receptions and 68 yards and another TD.
Miami currently has a commit from five-star running back Don Cheney Jr for 2020. Cheney is the highest-ranked player committed to the Hurricanes for next season and the only RB currently pledged to Miami’s 2020 recruiting class. Florida and Ohio State are considered to be high on Knighton’s list.
Knighton issued a statement about his de-commitment from Florida State. The diminutive running back is still considering Florida State. He expects to sign with a program next month and enroll early. That means he wants to be a part of a college football program in January. That would make it tough to sign with FSU.
"“Obviously everyone has heard the news about the changes taking place at Florida State. Understanding that there will be a period of time before the FSU program finds new leadership my family, coaches at Deerfield (Beach H.S.) and I have decided it’s in my best interest to de-commit from Florida State.Being an early enrollee, time is of the essence for me so my support system and I will immediately start the process of trying to find the right place for me to pursue my academic and athletic goals. While FSU even during this time of uncertainty will remain an option for me I will be reopening my recruiting at this time.”"
Harris, Lingard and redshirt sophomore Robert Burns are expected to return for Miami next fall. Starting running back DeeJay Dallas is a junior with a year of eligibility remaining in 2020. He will have a decision to make following a strong season. At 5’9 194 Knighton seems likely to be more of a chance of pace back and return man.
Knighton previously spoke to 247Sports about his relationship with Miami running back coach Eric Hickson. Knighton would add some needed speed to the Hurricanes backfield. The Under Armour All-American ran a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash at The Opening Finals.
"“Me and Coach Hickson have been building ever since he got the job at Miami. He was at Kansas State, but ever since he got to Miami we have just building that bond and getting closer day by day. We talk daily. Pretty much everyday. He’s cool and a good person. I love him as a coach.”"
Miami currently has the nation’s 16th best recruiting class and is second in the ACC for the 202 recruiting cycle. Florida State dropped to 18th overall and fourth in the ACC following Knighton’s de-commitment and the loss of another player since Taggart had his contract terminated on Sunday.