The Miami football program is confident in the future of their young wide receivers. Miami signed a strong group of WRs in the classes of 2020 and 2021. Second-year freshman Key’Shawn Smith is starting, he will be backed up by classmate Michael Redding III and Xavier Resptrepo is the second-team slot receiver.
The three amigos, freshmen Romello Brinson, Jacolby George and Breshard Smith have all been impressive during training camp. Miami has a bright future at WRs. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported on Monday that George was exceptional in training camp and Miami likes Brinson’s ability to make difficult catches.
Brinson has the ability to get in the air which the Miami football team has lacked in recent seasons. Redding is also potentially a receiver with the ability to come down with 50/50 balls. At 6’2, 202 pounds, Miami likes that Redding III is a muscular receiver with the ability to be physical with cornerbacks according to Jackson.
Smith has the potential to be the total package for Miami starting opposite Oklahoma transfer Charleston Rambo. At 6’1, 188 pounds, Smith provides the Hurricanes with length, physicality and speed with the potential to be a special player. Rambo and Smith provide Miami with deep threats they did not have in 2020.
Restrepo is reminiscent of former Miami leading receiver Braxton Berrios. The ability to get open and be a key receiver on third down should get Restrepo frequent playing time in key situations for Miami in 2021. Mike Harley who returned for his fifth year was the only consistent clutch WR for quarterback D’Eriq King in 2020.
With Harley, Rambo, Restrepo and Smith, King should have more options on critical downs in 2021. Will Mallory returns for his fourth season as the starting TE backed up by true freshman Elijah Arroyo. Harley is entering his last season. Mallory and Rambo are projected to leave for the 2022 NFL Draft.
If the Hurricanes lose Mallory and Rambo, the future is bright behind them. Wide receivers coach Rob Likens has done an excellent job developing the players at the position already on the Hurricanes roster and did was adept in recruiting to secure commitments from Brinson, George and Breshard Smith.