Miami Hurricanes named finalist by versatile WR Brashard Smith

The Miami Hurricanes have been named as one of five finalists to sign versatile and speedy wide receiver Brashard Smith. Smith is listed as the number two all-purpose back nationally by 247Sports.Com.

Versatile and fast three-star wide receiver and all-purpose back Brashard Smith named the Miami Hurricanes as one of five finalists to sign him in the Class of 2021. Smith is the second player in as many days to name Miami as a finalist to sign him. Four-star safety Corey Collier put the Hurricanes in his top six.

Smith should fit in perfectly to the new up-tempo spread offense that Miami will run under new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee. Smith is listed at WR but is the second-ranked all-purpose back in the country. With multiple talents and exceptional speed, Smith will likely be used all over the field in college.

Smith was previously committed to Florida, but de-committed recently. Florida is still considered the favorite to sign Smith. Miami is still looking for its first commitment from a WR in the Class of 2021. The Hurricanes do have commitments from four-star running back Thad Franklin and two tight ends.

The reasons Smith is considering Miami

Smith told Inside the U that he is considering Miami with an opportunity to play immediately and he likes the speed of the Hurricanes’ new offense. Smith believes he can play immediately at all five of the schools he named as finalists. Tennessee, Oregon, Auburn and Florida are the other programs in contention.

Andrew Ivins of Inside the U reported that Smith ran a 4.4 40-yard dash. Smith had 36 receptions for 628 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior in 2019, with only had four carries for 17 yards. At 5.8.5, 190 pounds Smith is solidly built. Collier and Smith are teammates at Palmetto High School in Miami.

Miami should have a lot of depth returning at WR in 2019 barring any early entry candidates into the NFL Draft. Mike Harley is the only senior WR the Hurricanes have. Juniors Dee Wiggins and Mark Pope will be eligible to enter the 2021 NFL Draft. Miami signed four WRs in the Class of 2019.