Mark Richt says D’Eriq King was exactly what Miami football program needed
D’Eriq King elevated the offense for the Miami football program in 2020 and former Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt said the quarterback was exactly what was needed.
D’Eriq King was responsible for 71.4 percent of the yards the Miami football has had in 2020. During an appearance on WQAM on Thursday morning former Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt stated that King was exactly what Miami needed this season and he was a great combination with offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee.
King has completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 2,570 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions with 520 yards rushing and four TDs. Miami improved from 90th to 27th in scoring and from 98th to 36th in total offense in 2020 from 2019. King and Lashlee were the impetus Miami needed on offense this season.
Richt is impressed with the maturity and leadership he has shown at QB this season. The Miami fooball program was lacking in leadership at QB in 2019. King was the perfect fit for the Lashlee offense after transfering from Houston in January. Richt praised King for improving on the deep ball throughout the season.
King has a decision to make for 2021. All 2020 fall sports athletes were granted an extra season of eligiblity by the NCAA. King was at Houston for four years with a redshirt in 2019. The 2021 season would be the sixth for King in college football. King can return to Miami and get another season to prove himself at QB.
"“Is without a doubt what Miami needed. Him and [offensive coordinator Rhett] Lashlee together were a great combination. They fed off each other’s ability. The first thing that strikes me about D’Eriq is his maturity, leadership ability….His skill set is very unique. He’s not a good runner; he’s a great runner.His passing got better as the season went along, especially the deep ball. Early on, I was concerned could he hit the deep ball…If he comes back, it would be a huge deal for Miami. If I’m him, I say, ‘Coach [Lashlee] if you stay, I stay. Let’s have some fun.’ Hopefully that will happen.Transcript courtesy of Barry Jackson, Miami Herald"
At about 5’9 King would be a third day (fourth through seventh rounds) pick in the NFL Draft. That is not likely to change in the 2021 or 2022 NFL Draft. What could change in what position King plays in the NFL. There is a lot of doubt that he is a QB in the NFL. Some analysts project King as a running back or wide receiver in the NFL.
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If King chooses to leave for the 2021 NFL Draft The Miami football program could enter the transfer portal to get an experienced QB. The Hurricanes should return redshirt junior N’Kosi Perry, redshirt freshman Peyton Matocha, true freshman Tyler Van Dyke and Class of 2021 QB Jake Garcia who signed with Miami last week.