With 19 starters returning the Miami football team is the 19th ranked team in 2021 Sporting News preseason rankings. The Hurricanes 2021 prospects are led by the return of star quarterback D’Eriq King. King is on almost every list ranking the best QBs entering the 2021 college football season.
Miami added transfers, wide receiver Charleston Rambo to give King a deep threat, offensive lineman Justice Olusaweun to add depth, edge rusher DeAndre Johnson and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. This will be the most experienced Miami football team in recent memory. Miami has no excuses in 2021.
King has surpassed every benchmark he has had in rehab from a torn ACL suffered in the December loss to Oklahoma State in the Cheez-It Bowl. With King out this spring, second-year quarterback Tyler Van Dyke and 2021 signee Jake Garcia both play well this spring competing to make their case as the backup.
Johnson will team with Zach McCloud who was moved from linebacker for the Cheez-It Bowl. McCloud and Johnson have the biggest task for Miami in 2021. Miami lost defensive ends Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche following the 2020 season. Phillips was the first edge rusher taken in the 2021 NFL Draft.
"19. Miami“D’Eriq King remains on the comeback trail after suffering a knee injury in the Cheez-It Bowl loss to Oklahoma State. If he returns, then the Hurricanes can build off an encouraging second season with Manny Diaz, but don’t discount freshman Jake Garcia, who completed 19 of 25 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns in the Hurricanes’ spring game.Miami also needs to reestablish a pass rush after losing Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche to the NFL Draft, and that starts with Bradley Jennings. Bubba Bolden brings All-American potential to the secondary. The ultimate measuring stick comes in the opener against Alabama in Atlanta.”"
Miami reestablishing a pass rush will begin with McCloud and Johnson. Bill Bender of The Sporting News curiously stated it will begin with Jennings who is competing with second-year player Corey Flagg to hold on to his position as the Hurricanes starting middle LB. Bolden will be the leader of the Miami secondary in 2021.
A healthy King will be the unquestioned QB. It is safe to count out Garcia and Van Dyke in 2021 as anything other than backups. King will also have leading receiver Mike Harley back in 2021. Harley, tight end Will Mallory and Rambo will provide King with three reliable receivers in 2021. The Miami offense should be explosive.