Who will emerge to become the top wide receiver?
Miami has not had a true number one wide receiver since Ahmmon Richards had to retire during the 2018 season because of a neck injury.
James Proche tied for the national lead with 111 receptions in the Lashlee offense for SMU in 2019. New WR coach Rob Likens has had a protege drafted in the first round the last two seasons.
Bringing Lashlee and Likens together to mentor the Miami WRs is expected to improve play at the position in 2020. Senior Mike Harley led Miami returnees with 38 receptions and was second with 485 receiving yards and three TDs as a junior in 2019. Harley seems like the most likely to make a big jump statistically in 2020.
Many schools will talk about it, here at Miami we ARE about it! #TheU IS WRU!! #DBS pic.twitter.com/EAtCP2k3xA
— ROB LIKENS (@CoachRobLikens) April 21, 2020
Playing in the slot, Harley has a big opportunity to increase his numbers in the up-tempo, spread offense Lashlee is installing for Miami. Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory have a chance for big seasons at TE, but the Hurricanes need someone to emerge at WR to take the pressure off of them and the running game.
Jordan has spoken about how impressive King has been with his arm and accuracy during training camp. Junior Dee Wiggins should be the go-to receiver on deep routes. Wiggins led the Hurricanes returnees in 2019 with four TD receptions and led all Miami WRs in 2019 with a 16.8 yards per reception average.
Redshirt freshman WR Jeremiah Payton is a player to watch. Payton was impressive on the scout team in 2019 and caused problems for the Miami defense. There were questions why Payton did not receive more snaps last season. He could have played up to four games and still maintained a redshirt season.