D’Eriq King returning could influence other Miami football players
The return of D’Eriq King for the 2021 Miami football season could influence other Hurricanes to return next season.
The announcement by D’Eriq King to return for the 2021 Miami football season could have an impact on other Hurricanes with decisions to make about returning next season or entering the 2021 NFL Draft. Several key Miami players, particularly on offense could decide to return in 2021 because King is.
Senior wide receiver Mike Harley, graduate transfer offensive right tackle Jarrid Williams and junior tight end Brevin Jordan are the most prominent Miami football players who could return because King is returning. King, Harley and Williams have the option to return because the NCAA granted an extra year to fall 2020 athletes.
The Miami offense improved greatly in 2020 led by King and coordinator Rhett Lashlee who is in his first season in Coral Gables. Miami improved from 25.7 points per game and 90th nationally in 2019 to 34.0 PPG and 27th in scoring in 2020. Miami averages 432.6 yards per game to rank 36th in total offense in 2020.
The Hurricanes were 98th averaging 367.2 yards per game in 2019. King will play in an offense for a second consecutive season for the first time in his collegiate career. Harley was named third-team All-ACC this season and Jordan earned second-team All-ACC. Williams solidified a Miami offensive line that desperately needed it.
Mike Harley on D'Eriq King: "He's one tough person. Outside of football, the battles and adversities he faces. I've never seen a guy that strong to come in and put the work in without being distracted...He's strongest one, mentally, and how he battles adversity."
— Josh White (@_JoshRWhite) November 11, 2020
The return of King instantly makes Miami a serious contender to win what should be restored ACC Coastal Divison in 2021 with North Carolina. The ACC eliminated divisions in 2020. Miami finished third behind Clemson and Notre Dame who are ranked second and fourth nationally and playing in the College Football Playoff.
The Hurricanes finished a half-game in front of North Carolina. Notre Dame will not likely be a part of the ACC in football in 2021. Miami has to travel to North Carolina who will return QB Sam Howell. Miami Junior running back Cam’Ron Harris will announce his intentions for 2021 on January 1.
If Jordan leaves, Miami has junior Will Mallory and recently signed four-star Elijah Arroyo as the potential targets for King at tight end. Junior WRs Mark Pope and Dee Wiggins progressed in 2020 in the Lashlee offense and will likely return in 2021. Williams would continue to add experience and stability on the Miami offensive line.
Next. Miami can focus on transfers with King returning for 2021. dark
Miami plays Oklahoma State in the Cheez-it Bowl on Tuesday. Decisions in addition to Harris should come shortly after that. Miami already lost defensive ends Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche who opted out of the Cheez-it Bowl. With the majority of the other key players back for Miami 2021 can be a special season.