The last two classes have provided the Miami football program the depth at wide receiver to survive the announcement by Charleston Rambo on Friday that he is entering the NFL Draft. Rambo set the Miami single-season records for receptions and receiving yards during his one year with the Hurricanes.
The Oklahoma transfer finished 2021 with 79 receptions for 1,172 yards and seven touchdowns. Leonard Hankerson previously held the Miami single-season reception record with 72 in 2010. Allen Hurns had the previous Miami record with 1,162 receiving yards in 2013. Rambo hasn’t indicated his bowl game status.
The likelihood is that Rambo will take the time to get ready for the NFL Draft. Miami will also lose fifth-year senior WR Mike Harley who has announced he will play in the Hurricanes’ bowl game. Harley and Rambo leave big holes for Miami at WR, but the Hurricanes have five promising WRs behind them.
Second-year freshman Keyshawn Smith has been a starter this season with Harley and Rambo. Smith has 26 receptions for 332 yards and three TDs. Entering 2022, Smith is likely the heir apparent to become the big play Miami WR. Xavier Restrepo and Brashard Smith will succeed Harley as the slot receivers.
Restrepo had 24 receptions for 373 yards and three TDs this season. Brashard Smith finished with 14 receptions for 199 yards and a pair of 75-yard TDs. Part of the three amigos, Brashard Smith signed with Romello Brinson and Jacolby George in 2021. All three are ready to become a big part of the Miami offense in 2022.
George had seven receptions for 183 yards and one TD during the regular season. Brinson had seven receptions for 90 yards and a TD. Miami also has second-year freshman Michael Redding III and Dazalin Worsham on the roster. Rambo is projected as a fifth-round NFL Draft pick from our partner site Niner Noise.
Rambo dominated in his one season with Miami, but in his fifth season in college likely proved all he could to be ready to play in the NFL. Miami has a better WR corps because of the mentorship and leadership that Harley and Rambo had in their one season together. The Hurricanes WR corps should continue to be productive.