Jaylan Knighton Freshman Running Back
With Chaney out this spring, the Miami Hurricanes are down to three true halfbacks. Junior Cam’Ron Harris is expected to be the first team running back this fall replacing Dallas. Redshirt junior Robert Burns is a tough inside runner but not the dynamic threat that Harris, Chaney or freshman Jaylon Knighton are.
The lack of depth at halfback allowed Miami to sign Chaney and Knighton. Knighton is likely to share the touches with Burns and Harris this spring. With the talent Knighton has, he has a great chance to emerge as the second team halfback at the very least when spring football game is played in April.
Lashlee praised Knighton at the beginning of the week for being able to acclimate immediately to college and the new offense. The Hurricanes new offensive coordinator said Knighton had no fear. Harris praised the speed Knighton has and the potential he to be special as quoted by the Miami Herald this week.
"“Oh, Jaylan Knighton, man. He’s a speedster, man. He’s still learning the offense, still learning the college program. When he gets ready and when his name is called, oh my God, y’all going to see about him.”"
With Miami expected to average around 70 plays per game on offense, there should be plenty of carries for Harris, Knighton and Chaney to make an impact. The amount that each of them receives and when is to be determined. Some speculation has projected that Knighton could become Miami’s third-down back on offense.