Manny Diaz likes play of Miami Hurricanes freshmen on offense
During his weekly news conference with Miami Hurricanes beat reporters head coach Manny Diaz recognized the contribution of the freshmen.
During his weekly news conference with beat reporters, Miami Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz discussed several freshmen who have contributed for Miami in victories over UAB, Louisville and Florida State during a 3-0 start for the first time since 2017. The offense has been impacted greatly by the freshmen performances.
Running backs Don Chaney Jr. and Jaylan Knighton have been a big part of the explosive Miami offense and wide receiver Michael Redding III showed in the 52-10 victory over Florida State on Saturday that he can become a key receiver this season. Those three have combined for five of the 16 Miami TDs.
Knighton is third on Miami behind juniors, RB Cam Harris and tight end Brevin Jordan with 206 yards and two TDs. Knighton has 18 carries for 96 yards and a TD and four receptions for 110 yards and a memorable 75 yard TD at Louisville. After struggling against Louisville, Cheney had six touches for 50 yards against Florida State.
The first two TDs of his career against the Seminoles. New offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee has shown confidence in the Miami freshmen. Diaz mentioned the talent the 2020 signing class has for Miami and singled out two freshmen who contributed against Florida State. The future of the Miami offense is bright.
"“This class has something to it. I feel like I’ve been saying that. You want it to be true as the games come, but it’s turning out to be true…Offensively, getting (offensive lineman) Jalen Rivers a couple at-bats, so just good to get all of our young guys.Michael Redding, in the first half, makes a tightly contested catch on one-to-one man coverage like on a 3rd and 5, so it was good to see all of our freshmen out there contributing.”"
Redding had the first two receptions of his career on Saturday for 13 yards and a late TD. As the 2020 season progresses Miami will likely need to rely on the freshmen depending on roster attrition. Chaney and Knighton have already proven themselves as key players on offense regardless of their year in school.
Next. Jaylan Knighton true freshman All-American. dark
The Miami offense was diverse in the decisive victory over Florida State. Eleven different receivers caught passes from quarterback D’Eriq King against the Seminoles. Lashlee has proven to have an offense that does not rely on one player. Expect that to continue through the remainder of the season.