Miami football has full D’Eriq King skill-set displayed in final scrimmage
Graduate transfer quarterback D’Eriq King showcased his entire skillset during the final Miami football scrimmage on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
In the final Miami football scrimmage ahead of the Thursday night season opener, graduate transfer quarterback D’Eriq King had his entire skill-set on display Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium. King was 24-34 for 330 yards and six touchdown passes and ran nine times for an additional 84 yards.
The statistics were mentioned by head coach Manny Diaz who provided the numbers accumulated by King in a video released by the Miami athletic department post scrimmage. Senior wide receiver Mike Harley led Miami with five receptions for 78 yards and a TD. Redshirt freshman WR Jeremiah Payton had three for 95 and a TD.
Junior WR Mark Pope lived up the praise he has recently received from the Miami coaching staff with four receptions for 65 yards and two TDs. True freshman WR Michael Redding III contributed two TDs with juniors, running back Cam’Ron Harris and tight end Will Mallory each making one trip into the end zone.
The scrimmage was simulated with Diaz stating that the offense began the second quarter with a 24-0 deficit. Miami had the first-team offense led by King competing against the scout team defense simulating what UAB is expected to run in the season opener Thursday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
Diaz and the Miami coaching staff wanted to simulate the game day atmosphere as much as possible without the 13,000 fans expected to attend the game against the Blazers. After the scrimmage,
Diaz spoke about the details the Hurricanes put together
on Friday night to create a mock game day.
"“We wanted to create a bit of urgency, so we started down 24 to nothing at the start of the second quarter because you want to try to create will there be panic, will there be any type of pressing and I was very pleased…We went out there and went to work. D’Eriq was very sharp.You’re starting to see his ability, not only with his arm but with his feet, as well, so very encouraging."
The University of Miami has had plenty of great quarterbacks but not a one with the skill set of D’Eriq King https://t.co/GKXMg85Knw
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) September 5, 2020
The ability for King to keep the team calm and focus down 24 points and bring them back is important even if it was a mock situation. The leadership King brings for the Miami football team is an upgrade over the Miami QBs in 2019. King has some quality skill position players to work with in 2020 who shined on Friday night.
The Miami offense was able to perform well in a controlled situation. Thursday will present situations that will unexpected within the flow of the game against UAB. King has the experience to lead the Hurricanes offense to success against what was one of the best defenses in college football in 2019.
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UAB won their season opener against Central Arkansas 45-35 on Thursday night. The defense allowed only 293 yards and 4.7 yards per play. Playing UAB in the season opener will be a good test for King and the Miami offense. Through three scrimmages, new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee has changed the Miami offense.