National expert: Establishing ground game Miami Hurricanes 2022 key
The key for the Miami Hurricanes competing in the ACC in 2022 is to “establish the ground game” according to Will Backus of 247 Sports. Miami finished 97th nationally averaging 127.67 rushing yards per game in 2021. The Hurricanes were 98th averaging 3.69 yards per carry. Those averages need to improve in 2022.
The hiring of new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis from Michigan is expected to help the Miami Hurricanes achieve a more balanced offense. Michigan finished 15th nationally averaging 214.36 rushing yards per game in 2021. The Wolverines were 18th averaging 5.22 rushing yards per carry.
Miami lost 2020 leading rusher, Cam’Ron Harris halfway through the 2021 season. backup Cody Brown transferred to Virginia. The Miami Hurricanes return 2021 leading rusher Jaylan Knighton, primary backup Thad Frankin and Don Chaney Jr. returns from a season-ending knee injury two games into last year.
Knighton frequently had to carry the rushing offense for Miami in 2021. Knighton finished 2021 with 145 carries for 561 yards, averaged 3.9 yards per carry and scored eight touchdowns. Also a contributor as a receiver, Knighton had 20 receptions for 280 yards and another three TDs. Miami has more options in 2022.
"Miami — Establish the ground game: Miami has an experienced offensive line bolstered by some solid transfers, and Mario Cristobal obviously knows his stuff around the trenches. It needs to do a better job paving the way for the running backs.Ole Miss running back transfer Henry Parrish will go a long way towards helping here."
With Chaney and Knighton out during spring practice with injuries, Franklin and Parrish shared the work at running back. Miami also signed four-star RB Tre’Vonte Citizen in the Class of 2022. Parrish was impressive this spring and seems to have the lead entering August training camp to be the starting RB for Miami.
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Parrish had 105 carries for 553 yards and three TDs with 21 receptions for 173 yards as the third RB for Mississippi in 2021. In two seasons at Mississippi Parrish had 816 yards rushing with I’ve touchdowns 28 receptions for 232 yards. The Miami Hurricanes have a deep RB corps entering the 2022 season.