Miami Hurricanes freshman TE Elijah Arroyo getting early national recognition
Freshman tight end Elijah Arroyo has been impressive through the first few practices for the Miami Hurricanes according to 247 Sports national analyst Blake Brockermeyer. Arroyo is expected to be the second-team TE for Miami behind veteran Will Mallory in his first collegiate season.
Arroyo brings excellent length preferred by the Miami Hurricanes coaching staff at 6’4, 235 pounds. Brockermeyer named a group of eight in his article “Fall camp report: Freshmen standing out early across the country (8/9).” Arroyo can make an impact with Mallory succeeding Brevin Jordan as first-team TE.
Mallory had 22 receptions for 329 yards and four touchdowns last season playing behind Jordan. Arroyo can easily match those numbers in 2021. Arroyo had 79 receptions for 1,338 yards and 18 TDs during his last two seasons of high school. Arroyo might have the best chance to play for the Miami Hurricanes as a freshman.
Arroyo is the seventh-ranked player and fifth-highest signee on offense in the 2021 Miami signing class. The six freshmen ranked ahead of Arroyo and four on offense do not have as clear of a path to playing time as he does at TE. Included in the Miami Class of 2021 are five-star signees are DT Leonard Taylor and safety James Williams.
"“Freshman Elijah Arroyo (6-foot-4, 235) has looked great early as an all-around player. Expect him to play early and be paired with stud tight end Will Mallory, which will cause some matchup problems in 12 personnel.That combination should make the ‘Canes feel much better about their tight end situation even after losing Brevin Jordan to the NFL. A Texas product, Arroyo was the No. 215 player in the class of 2021’s 247Sports Composite and the No. 7 tight end.”"
Miami played 12 personnel which is two tight ends often last season. Jordan and Mallory started in the same game four times last season. Mallory made seven starts total with Jordan missing three games due to injury. Offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee thrives on creating matchup problems for Miami opponents.
Miami offense should benefit from continuity. dark. Next
Arroyo is a versatile athlete who participated as a sprinter and high jumper on the track team in high school. With quarterback D’Eriq King and Lashlee returning for their seconds seasons as Miami Hurricanes, the offense should continue to develop. Arroyo is likely to be one of the few freshmen to make an immediate impact.