Mark Richt expects D’Eriq King to be challenged early in the season

During an appearance on the ACC Network show The Huddle this week, former Miami Hurricanes Head coach Mark richt states he expects quarterback D’Eriq King to be challenged early in the season.

The Miami Hurricanes open the 2020 season against UAB, then play at Louisville, host Florida State before a bye and then play at Clemson. Former Miami head coach Mark Richt is concerned that QB D’Eriq King did not have the entire offseason to work with his teammates and how schedule the difficulty will impact King.

Richt acknowledged the achievements King has had early in his career but that they came in the American Athletic Conference. Richt spoke to unnamed sources at Miami who told him that King is mature and is a great leader who has an excellent work ethic.

Richt wonders how long it will take King to “get In a groove and (be) comfortable.” The opener against UAB will be critical for King and the new Miami up-tempo spread offense led by new offensive coordinate Rhett Lashlee to get into a rhythm. It might be a blessing that Lashlee was hired and everyone on offense has to learn together.

King is coming off a tough 2019 season when his numbers went down in four games played after and elite 2018 season where he produced 50 TDs. The expectation is that between the new Lashlee offense and King that Miami improves drastically on offense in 2020.

"“D’Eriq King is a guy that has run for a million touchdowns and thrown for a million touchdowns. He has been in a different league, but when we watch him play, he is amazing. When you get a chance to talk to some people at ‘The U’ and they say this guy is very mature and he is a true leader and a great worker.If you look at three of the first four games, they got Florida State, Louisville, and Clemson. The fact that D’Eriq didn’t have that spring to work with his teammates and the entire summer could be a factor. How long will be for him to get in a groove and comfortable wearing that orange and green.”"

King was asked to redshirt last season after playing in four games with Houston off to a 1-3 start. The hope was for King to return to the Cougars in 2020 Despite being sub-six-foot. the ability to play QB is there for King.

Tight end Brevin Jordan and Miami head coach Manny Diaz praised for King arm talent, accuracy and ability to throw the deep ball. King has to prove it on the field in 2020 to silence his detractors. With the schedule Miami has if King has a breakout season with the Hurricanes he will silence his critics.