Miami Football: Shannon Dawson looking for alpha WR on depth chart
Speaking to the media on Monday, new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson stated that the Miami football team is still looking for an alpha at wide receiver. Colbie Young returns after leading the Miami WRs with 32 receptions for 367 yards and the entire team with five touchdown receptions in 2022.
In addition to Dawson, Kevin Beard returns to the Miami football staff as the new WR coach. Beard was previously on the Miami staff in 2014 and 2015. Miami returns the majority of its WRs from 2022. Speedy Tyler Harrell joins Miami after transferring from Alabama. Miami also signed a pair of WRs in the 2023 class.
Nathaniel “Ray Ray” Joseph has been impressive throughout the spring and in training camp. Expect Joseph to receive a chance to prove himself as a true freshman. Joseph is behind fourth-year junior Xavier Restrepo and junior Breshard Smith in the slot. Expect Dawson to find ways to utilize, Joseph, Restrepo and Smith.
Joseph, Restrepo and Smith are all excellent in space. Miami missed Restrepo when he was out for five games last season. Restrepo had 21 receptions for 240 yards and two TDs in 2022. Fully healthy, Restrepo has a chance to at least double his numbers from 2022. Smith was third on Miami in 2022 with 33 receptions and 308 yards.
"“It looks good. Our passing game is coming along. I’ve said this multiple times: We don’t have a 100-reception guy coming back. We’ve got to find out who our dudes are, and I think I have a good idea. But I’d like to be pleasantly surprised by some guys, too. “Gotta make plays in games. That’s just the facts.’’"
Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald quoted Dawson discussing the need to find out who the alpha receivers will be. Young discussed the impact that Joseph, classmate Robby Washington and some of the young receivers on the Miami roster could have as the 2022 season evolves.
Tyler Van Dyke be healthy and Dawson as offensive coordinator is expected to help the Miami WRs thrive in 2023. Miami is projected to be a more explosive and vertical offense in 2023. Dawson has adapted his system to fit the players on the roster. Harrell will be a player to watch with Van Dyke who likes to throw deep.
Next. Expect Miami RB depth chart evolving throughout season. dark
Junior Jacolby George, Restrepo and Young are expected to be the starters versus Miami (Ohio) in week one. Harrell, Isaiah Horton and Smith will likely be the second-team WRs. If Miami builds a lead early expect Beard and Dawson to utilize a liberal rotation at WR. The WR depth chart should evolve throughout the season.