The Miami football program has added more speed with Alabama transfer Tyler Harrell and the ability to run after the catch with Shemar Kirk from Reedley (Junior) College adding new dimensions at wide receiver in 2023. Miami too often lacked big plays at WR during the 2022 season.
Harrell has 22 receptions for 577 yards, averaging 26.2 yards per reception and six touchdowns in three college seasons. The majority of the production for Harrell came in 2021 at Louisville. Harrell produced 18 receptions for 523 yards on 29.1 YPC with six TDs in 2021. Harrell missed most of the 2022 season with an injury.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald relayed that a Hurricanes’ staffer said that Harrell has a good chance to star if he plays well in camp. Harrell was the 271st-ranked transfer and 56th WR in the 2023 rankings. As a 2018 high school signee Harrell was the 897th prospect, 135th WR and 131st-ranked player in Florida.
The staffer told Jackson about Harrell “He has speed that we didn’t have, electrifying speed.” Miami needs more production at WR in 2023. Jacolby George, Harrell and Colbie Young are expected to be the top three outside WRs for Miami in 2023. George can also play in the slot and Young provides size at 6’5.
Kirk is the 27th-ranked junior college prospect and third JC WR for 2023. The Miami staffer told Jackson that Kirk appealed to the Hurricanes because of his run after (the) catch ability. The staffer also stated that Kirk is good enough to be in the rotation and possibly start in 2023. Kirk had 76 receptions for 1,446 yards and 15 TDs.
The two seasons at Reedley provided Kirk the opportunity to play for Miami. Xavier Restrepo and Breshard Smith return for the Miami football team in the slot with freshman Nathaniel Joseph expected to challenge them for snaps. Frank Ladson will try to rebound from a disappointing 2022 season after transferring from Clemson.