What will the rotation look like at running back?
The Miami football team will be starting its third first-team running back in as many seasons. Cam’Ron Harris elevates to first-team RB this fall to replace DeeJay Dallas who left for the NFL. Behind Harris, Miami has little experience. Robert Burns is the only other RB Miami has on the roster with experience.
Burns has 29 carries for 116 yards and two receptions for 21 yards and a touchdown in his career. The expectation for Burns in 2020 is to be a short-yardage back. Freshmen Jaylan Knighton and Don Chaney Jr. are exceptionally talented and project to pass Burns in the regular rotation for carries.
The up-tempo spread should increase running lanes for the Miami RBs in 2020. The Hurricanes were 120th in rushing in 2019. Miami averaged 118.08 yards per game last season. Miami was 103rd in average yards per carry in 2019 at 3.77. Getting the running backs the ball in space will likely be the biggest shift.
Dan Enos, the 2019 Miami offensive coordinator, preferred to utilize his RBs between the tackles. Lashlee is more likely to get his RBs to the edge. Using the quickness that Harris, Chaney and Knighton have will give them a better chance to succeed. Enos tried to fit players into his system instead of utilizing their best skills.