D’Eriq King named top 5 non obvious Heisman Candidate

Miami Hurricanes quarterback D’Eriq King has been on most of the lists for 2020 Heisman Trophy candidates. College Football News named King one of the “Top Heisman Candidates – Other Than The Obvious.” earlier this week.

The transfer of D’Eriq King from Houston to Miami has upgraded the quarterback position for the Hurricanes to its highest standard since Brad Kayaa, the all-time leading passer in program history decided to leave for the NFL following his junior year in 2016. King brings instant credibility and stability as a signal-caller to Miami.

King was named by College Football News as the second-best non-obvious Heisman Trophy Candidate in an article titled“Top Heisman Candidates – Other Than The Obvious.” The obvious refers to quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence of Clemson and Justin Fields of Ohio State. If King can reach his potential he will be in the race.

The numbers D’Eriq King put up during his last full season in 2018 have been well documented. King accounted for 50 touchdowns in 2018 and enters the 2020 season after playing four games in 2019 with a steak of a passing and rushing TDs in 17 consecutive games, which is an FBS record.

The reason King is getting so much respect as a Heisman Trophy candidate beyond his own abilities and accomplishments in college is the hiring of Rhett Lashlee as the new offensive coordinator. Lashlee led a prolific offense the last two seasons at SMU. If the Miami offense reaches expectations King will be a huge reason.

"2. QB D’Eriq King, MiamiThis might seem like a bit of a call considering how miserable the Miami offense was throughout last season – closing out with a shutout loss to Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl – and that’s where Rhett Lashlee comes in.The former SMU offensive coordinator is in charge of ramping up the Hurricane passing attack and making the O as a whole more explosive, and he’s got the triggerman to do it. D’Eriq King was special for Houston in 2018.The do-it-all talent was electric in the open field – running for 674 yards and 14 touchdowns – and he hit 64% of his passes for close to 3,000 yards and 36 touchdowns with just six picks."

Those that follow the Miami football program closely know that the ceiling for the Hurricanes offense in 2020 is high. Most of the skill position players and the entire offensive line return this fall. Tight end Brevin Jordan will likely be King’s favorite receiver and he has a chance to be a first-team All-American.

The hyperbole that the Miami offense will be different has been there before. When Dan Enos was hired a year ago to be the offensive coordinator the same thing was said. The difference with the Lashlee offense led by King is both have the history to make a run at the Heisman Trophy believable.