Manny Diaz wants less negative running plays more explosive passing game
Speaking at ACC Kickoff on Wednesday in Charlotte, Miami Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz stated he wants less negative running plays and be more explosive down the field passing in 2021. Miami also needs improved play from its offensive line in 2021. The Hurricanes OL is the most experienced in college football history.
The Miami OL needs to open holes for the Hurricanes to have fewer negative running plays and give receivers the opportunity to create more explosive plays in the passing game. Miami returns all of its key components in its backfield. Quarterback D’Eriq King and over 90 percent of Miami’s rushing yards return in 2021.
Don Chaney Jr., Cam’Ron Harris and Jaylan Knighton return at RB. Miami signed four-star RBs Cody Brown and Thad Franklin in 2021. Miami finished 94th nationally with a 20.9 stuff rate of their runs going for one yard or less in 2020. Miami should continue to improve in the second season under offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee.
Oklahoma transfer Charleston Rambo is expected to make Miami more explosive downfield. Rambo was fourth in the Big XII in 2019 averaging 17.28 yards per reception. Mike Harley led Miami receivers who had more than two receptions in 2020 with an average of 14 YPR. Diaz discussed his expectations on offense.
"“Offensively we want to look at we have to give up less negative plays in the run game, that’s been a big point of emphasis in our off-season study, spring practice, going into training camp.Then be more explosive down the field. Being more efficient in our run game and more explosive in our pass game will help us punt less.”"
The summation by Manny Diaz was in reference to the bigger question about punter Lou Hedley from a reporter at ACC Kickoff on Wednesday. Miami has one of the best kicking tandems in college football with Hedley and freshman kicker Andres Borregales. The Miami offense improved significantly in 2020.
Miami should continue to develop on offense with King and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee entering their second season with the Hurricanes. The backfield, Harley and Rambo leading the WRs and Will Mallory at tight end provide Miami with significant talent at the skill positions. The schedule will be tough.
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Miami opens the season against Alabama on September 4 in Atlanta. The Hurricanes also have non-conference games against Appalachian State, Michigan State and Central Connecticut State. Miami avoids Clemson this season. The Hurricanes’ biggest game of 2021 will be October 16 at North Carolina.