Miami Hurricanes running back Cam’Ron Harris has gotten better throughout his career when he receives more carries. With Don Chaney Jr. lost for the season with a torn ACL and Jaylan Knighton not returning until the Virginia game, Harris will receive the bulk of the carries in the next couple of weeks.
Harris has proven the ability to handle a heavy workload. During his career, Harris has had 13 games averaging more than four yards per carry. In eight of those games, Harris had 10 carries or more. Harris had the most productive game of his Miami career in the 2020 season opener against UAB with 17 carries for 134 yards.
Against the Blazers, Harris added two touchdowns. With Chaney and Knighton out, freshmen Cody Brown and Thad Franklin will back up Harris. Neither Brown nor Franklin has had a carry yet for Miami. Chaney had 11 carries for 44 yards and a TD and one reception for four yards this season before the injury.
After Chaney suffered the injury against Appalachian State, quarterback D’Eriq King helped Harris handle the workload running. King had 28 carries for 89 yards this season. Against Appalachian State, King had 19 carries for 79 yards. Harris had 18 for 91 and a TD and one reception for six yards against the Mountaineers.
When the Miami Hurricanes play FCS Central Connecticut State on September 25, Brown and Franklin will have a chance to impress the coaches. Knighton returning for Miami on September 30 against Virginia, will add an explosive element to the Hurricanes offense that has been missing the first two weeks.
Harris has shown ability throughout his Miami career to be able to handle a heavy workload. The fourth-year running back runs with a powerful style that can wear down opponents. With Chaney out for the season, Miami needs Harris to be able to handle 15 to 20 carries per game. Miami improves offensive with Harris’ success.
Through the first two games of the 2021 season, Miami has been inconsistent offensively. The running game has particularly struggled at times. In the second half against Appalachian State, Harris and King began to assert themselves on the ground. Miami taking control will be critical as the season progresses.