Miami football loses versatility with Jaylan Knighton suspension, Larry Hodges also out

The Miami football team announced ahead of its season opener against Alabama on Saturday that running back Jaylan Knighton has been suspended for four games and tight end Larry Hodges for two. Miami losses explosiveness and versatility on offense without Knighton. Knighton is reportedly facing a serious legal issue.

Knighton was listed as the co-second team RB with Don Chaney Jr. behind Cam’Ron Harris. True freshmen Cody Brown and Thad Franklin will step up as the only other scholarship RBs on the Miami football roster will Knighton out through at least the ACC opener against Virginia on September 30 at Hard Rock Stadium.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported the suspension of Knighton without specifying his legal issue. Expect Chaney and Harris to be utilized as receivers more extensively with Knighton out. Knighton was only one of 11 FBS RBs in 2020 with a reception of 70 yards or more. Chaney and Harris will get more of the workload.

Knighton ran for 209 yards averaging 4.0 yards per carry in 2020 with one touchdown and added 11 receptions for 135 yards and another TD as a true freshman. The 75-yard reception was an exhilarating TD at Louisville. Chaney exceeded Knighton’s numbers with 322 rushing yards on 4.7 YPC and three TDs.

Chaney contributed 11 receptions for 143 yards as a receiver. Harris led Miami with 643 yards rushing on 5.1 YPC and 10 TDs and paced the Hurricanes’ RBs with 18 receptions for 131 yards and one TD. Knighton is the type of game-breaking player who could have made a difference against Alabama.

In three seasons with Miami, Hodges has three receptions for one yard and two TDs. Hodges also completed one pass last season to quarterback D’Eriq King for one yard. Earlier this year, Hodges was arrested for weapons and marijuana charges that led to a suspension for the spring game. Hodges is not on the depth chart.