What national writer thinks is one thing to make or break 2022 Miami football team
The Miami football team is ranked 25th in the way too early 247 sports 2022 rankings. There will be a lot of projections about the 2022 season with Mario Cristobal in his inaugural season with Miami. Cristobal still has to hire most of his staff six weeks after being introduced as the Hurricanes’ new head coach.
A lot of the optimism about the first season under Cristobal relates to the return of quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. Van Dyke was named the 2021 ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year and Rookie of the Year. Over the last six games of the season, Van Dyke threw for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns in each game.
Van Dyke’s accomplishments in 2021 were impressive in only nine starts. When he was hired Cristobal said about Van Dyke “there is not a better QB in the country.” Van Dyke enters the 2022 season without his top two wide receivers, Charleston Rambo and Mike Harley. Harley and Rambo both set Miami records in 2021.
Rambo set the Miami single-season record for receptions and receiving yards. Harley set the single-game and career Miami reception record. Xavier Restrepo and Keyshawn Smith are Miami’s two leading returning WRs in 2022. Sam Marsdale of 247 Sports projects the one thing that can make or break Miami in 2022.
"25. Miami Hurricanes: Tyler Van Dyke avoiding a regression“Van Dyke burst onto the scene this season after barely playing in 2020. The Connecticut native and former four-star recruit in the 2020 class completed 62.3% of his passes for 2,931 yards and 25 touchdowns against just six interceptions in 10 games.Now, as the main guy and with defenses having plenty of tape on him, avoiding the regression we’ve seen from several quarterbacks in this situation is key.”"
The offensive coordinator hire for Cristobal will be critical for the continued development of Van Dyke. Van Dyke thrived under former OC Rhett Lashlee. The Miami football team has a lot of talent at WR for Van Dyke to work with. All of the Miami WRs are stepping into bigger roles in 2022.
The three amigos 2021 signees Romello Brinson, Jacolby George and Breshard Smith plus recently signed Clemson transfer Frank Ladson and Restrepo and Keyshawn Smith provide Van Dyke with a deep WR corps. Michael Redding III and Daz Worsham also return for Miami at WR. New WR coach Bryan McClendon has a talented group.
Next. Miami lucky having Van Dyke amidst mass QB transfers. dark
Van Dyke will also have to adjust to how defenses scheme for him in 2022. The positive for Miami could be the new system they will play under their new offensive coordinator. Van Dyke should continue to develop and improve entering his second season as the starter. The Miami football team won five of last six games in 2021.