83 Days until Miami Football: Freshman WR Michael Redding III

Four-star 2020 signee, Michael Redding III has been often overlooked in the Miami football incoming freshman class with the focus on the higher-ranked running back tandem of Jaylan Knighton and Don Chaney Jr.

Michael Redding III is the only four-star wide receiver who signed with the Miami football program in 2020. Redding III has often been overlooked by the higher-ranked running back tandem of Jaylan Knighton and Don Cheney Jr. and quarterback Tyler VanDyke. Originally from Pensacola, Redding III attended IMG Academy in Bradenton.

Redding III was the 178th ranked player, 31st ranked WR and the 27th ranked player in Florida in the Class of 2020. The 6’1, 195-pound wideout was an early enrollee but missed the abbreviated spring practices after having wrist surgery. It is possible that Redding III could redshirt in 2020.

Miami also signed three-star WRs Dazalin Worsham and Keyshawn Smith and slot receiver Xavier Restrepo. Senior Mike Harley is a returning starter and juniors Mark Pope and Dee Wiggins are expected to battle with redshirt freshman Jeremiah Payton to start at the other two WRs.

With Harley gone after the 2020 season and Pope and Wiggins in the next year or two, Payton, Redding III and the 2020 signees at WR are the future for the Miami football program. Payton would have the option of declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft as a redshirt sophomore. Players can declare following their third season in college.

Redding III will also be challenged in the future by 2021 four-star WR commits Romello Brinson and Jacolby George. Brinson and George committed to Miami earlier this month. Miami is likely not finished recruiting WRs in the Class of 2021. New offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee’s spread system is very WR friendly.

While the offensive coordinator at SMU the last two seasons, Lashlee coached Baltimore Ravens draftee James Proche who tied for the national lead with 111 receptions in 2019. The up-tempo system that Lashlee runs should average about 15 more plays than Miami did last season. Redding III should have a bright future.