Can freshman running back Jaylan Knighton continue to be impressive?
Through the first two scrimmages for the Miami football team freshman running back Jaylan Knighton has 22 carries for 169 yards and two TDs.
Knighton has been impressive with his speed and playmaking ability. The running game for the Hurricanes will likely be improved under Lashlee.
Miami was 120th in FBS in 2019 averaging 118.08 rushing yards per game. The Hurricanes lost DeeJay Dallas early to the NFL.
Junior Cam’Ron Harris will start at RB with Knighton the likely second-team RB ahead of freshman Don Chaney Jr. Diaz likes the big-play ability that Knighton has.
"“What’s impressive about Jaylan is we knew about his speed and his home run hitting ability…Sometimes with younger guys, just seeing the cuts might take a while and early on, seeing the way he has a feel for it, how he puts his foot in the ground and get through that hole, I think that’s been very impressive.”"
The feel Knighton already has for being patient for the blocking upfront is a good indicator he is ready to be a contributor as a freshman. Earlier this week, 247 Sports named Knighton as the only RB on their freshman All-American team. Knighton is the big-play RB Miami needs.
Miami was 81st in 2019 with 57 runs over 10 yards. The Hurricanes tied for 70th with only 16 runs over 20 yards. Knighton himself might be able to produce 16 runs over 20 yards this season. In the first scrimmage last month, Knighton provided a 70-yard TD run. Expect another strong performance from Knighton.