Miami Hurricanes OC Rhett Lashlee likes two TEs putting pressure on defense
During an appearance on the Joe Rose Show on WQAM this week Miami Hurricanes offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee told the eponymous host that he likes playing with more than one tight end to put pressure on opposing defenses. Miami often played with TEs Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory last season.
Jordan, Mallory and Larry Hodges combined for 61 receptions for 902 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Miami Hurricanes at TE last season. Jordan is moving on to the NFL this season. Miami signed four-star TE Elijah Arroyo who is expected to share the field most often with Mallory in 2021.
Arroyo is the seventh-ranked TE in the Class of 2021. At 6’4, 210 pounds, Arroyo will provide Miami QB D’Eriq King with an athletic target to match with Mallory. Mallory should have a breakout season with Jordan declaring for the NFL Draft. Mallory had 22 receptions for 329 yards and four TDs in 2021.
Mallory put up elite numbers at TE with Jordan out with injuries the last two seasons. In the six games that Jordan has missed the last two seasons, Mallory has 22 receptions for 393 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers would far eclipse anything that Jordan had over a full season in his three-seasons with Miami.
"“I love being able to play with more than one tight end; it makes things harder on the defense .Last year when [Will Mallory and Brevin Jordan] were healthy, we were at our best when they were on the field [in tandem]. This year, are we better off with two tight ends or Will and three receivers?It’s too early to know for sure the identity of this year’s team.” transcribed by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald."
Lashlee has utilized TEs throughout his career. In his final season as the offensive coordinator at SMU, Kylen Granson had 43 receptions for 721 yards and nine TDs in 2019. Lashlee is the ideal OC to continue the tradition at Miami as TE U. In what could be his final season at Miami, Mallory should produce big numbers.
Next. Will Mallory has proven he can be top tight end. dark
Miami is working on the identity of the 2021 team in spring practice and will continue to do so into training camp in August. The identity will continue to evolve during the season. Oklahoma transfer Charleston Rambo gives Miami more speed at wide receiver which should help open the middle of the field for the TEs.