Miami Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz confident in TEs NFL future
For the Miami Hurricanes offense to reach its full potential the tight ends need to be major contributors. Entering his fourth season with Miami, Will Mallory has an extremely high ceiling. Mallory should exceed the 38 receptions for 576 yards and seven touchdowns Brevin Jordan had for Miami in 2020.
Jordan had career numbers for the Hurricanes in 2020. Mallory had 22 receptions for 329 yards and four TDs in 2020 as the secondary option at TE. As Mallory moves up to the primary option at TE, he will be backed up by promising freshman Elijah Arroyo. Mallory and Arroyo bring speed and athleticism for Miami at TE.
Mallory is on the precipice of the NFL entering his fourth college season. With a big 2021 season, Mallory will increase his NFL Draft stock. In the likelihood that Mallory leaves following the 2021 season, Arroyo will assume the mantle at TE U. Miami should continue developing offensively in its second season under Rhett Lashlee.
Lashlee has repeatedly used the TE throughout his career as an offensive coordinator. With the Miami Hurricanes that becomes even more prevalent with its history of elite TEs. Head coach Manny Diaz spoke earlier this week about the future of Arroyo and Mallory and what makes them look like NFL TEs.
"“Will is scary. He’s always been fast. He came here at 210. To see him here at 250. He ran [more than 20] miles per hour [this week]. That’s getting it for a big man. His catch radius and strength [are impressive] now, really understanding how to use his body to manipulate defenders.Elijah and Will look like NFL dudes. For a young guy, he (Arroyo) runs routes like an older guy. He has the ability to use his body on defenders and nudge guys out of the way. He plays big.”"
Arroyo should be able to reach numbers similar to what Mallory reached last season. The Miami offense has a chance to be special in 2021. Jordan was the only starter lost from the 2020 Hurricanes offense. The addition of wide receiver Charleston Rambo as a deep threat in the Miami passing game should help the entire offense.
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Rambo’s ability to get deep should open the middle of the field for Arroyo and Mallory to thrive catching passes from quarterback D’Eriq King. The athleticism, skill and speed that Arroyo and Mallory have create matchup problems for opposing defenses. Lashlee will be able to take advantage with his play calling.