Miami Hurricanes WR Keyshawn Smith player to watch on offense
Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Keyshawn Smith is expected to have an increased 2021 role. Smith played 107 snaps in 2020. The potential move of 2020 starting outside WR Mark Pope to the slot could open up snaps. Oklahoma transfer Charleston Rambo will start at one WR with the other likely open for competition.
Dee Wiggins started with Pope outside in 2020 with leading receiver Mike Harley in the slot. Smith was a sleeper when he signed with Miami in 2020. The 709th ranked player, 112th ranked WR and 60th ranked player in California for 2020, Smith signed with Miami after being let out of his National Letter of Intent from Washington State.
Smith was released from the NLI following the departure of head coach Mike Leach from the Cougars to Mississippi State. The chance to play for Miami fulfilled a lifelong dream for Smith. Smith has developed quickly entering his second season. Smith showed big-play ability this spring for Miami.
In the spring game, King had three receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. Miami needs more big plays from its passing game in 2021. The addition of Rambo is expected to help Miami stretch the field. Smith showed the ability to be a play threat in the passing game in high school at legendary Lincoln in San Diego.
Related Story. Keyshawn Smith expected deep threat. light
Smith had 93 receptions for 1,804 yards for a 19.4-yard average and 22 TDs in his last two high school seasons. Miami signed four WRs in the Class of 2020 including Smith. Four-star Michael Redding III, three-star WRs Smith and Dazalin Worsham and three-star Xavier Restrepo a slot who was listed as an athlete.
Smith started for the first-team offense during spring practice. How well Smith plays during training camp and in scrimmages next month will determine how much he plays early in the season. Miami has the toughest of openers against Alabama at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta on September 4.
Big plays will be critical for Miami against the Crimson Tide. If Smith continues to shows the ability to stretch the field in the passing game, he could receive significant snaps against Alabama. In the second year under offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and with D’Eriq King at QB the Miami offense should improve.
Next. Miami WR projected depth chart entering summer. dark
Everyone returns for Miami on offense except for tight end Brevin Jordan. The addition of Rambo at WR could shuffle the snaps at the position in 2021. Pope moving inside also creates new opportunities. Smith is definitely a player to watch for the Miami Hurricanes to have a breakout season in 2021.