Miami tight ends have been huge part of 2024 offense
The Miami tight ends have easily surpassed their total of 18 receptions for 154 yards and one touchdown in 2023 through five games this season. Two Miami TEs have already surpassed the TD total from 2023 and three are on pace to surpass the entire Miami total at the position in 2024.
Elijah Arroyo has emerged as the player he was projected to be when he signed in 2021. Arroyo has 11 receptions for 272 yards and three TDs in his fourth season. Arroyo is leading the ACC averaging 24.73 yards per reception. Three other Miami TEs have been productive this season.
True freshman Elija Lofton has seven receptions for 109 yards and a TD, sophomore Riley Williams has five receptions for 86 yards and super senior Cam McCormick has three receptions for 24 yards and two TDs. It is not a stretch to say that Miami has the best TE unit nationally.
Miami TEs have combined for 26 receptions for 491 yards and six TDs. The 18.88 YPC the Miami TEs average as a group would rank fourth in the ACC among all players. The emergence of the Miami TEs has opened the playbook for offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson. Arroyo spoke about the TEs in the post-game after Virginia Tech on Friday.
Arroyo is making a strong case for first-team All-ACC tight end. He currently ranks 16th overall and first among tight ends in the ACC in receiving yards. Additionally, he leads the conference in yards per catch, is seventh overall, and is tied for first among tight ends with three touchdown receptions. Arroyo's breakout season can be attributed to his improved health.
Arroyo missed most of the 2022 and 2023 seasons with a knee injury. Miami was depleted in depth at TE with Arroyo out with the injury. Arroyo had one of the plays of the season for Miami when he chased down former Hurricanes safety Kaleb Spencer on a potential interception return for a TD.
The interception put Virginia Tech in scoring position before a failed fake field goal. Miami scored on their next drive to cut the deficit to 27-24. If Spencer scored on that play, Virginia Tech would have taken a 34-17 lead. Coming back from three scores down would have been difficult.
Next. Cam Ward on pace to obliterate Miami single season records. Cam Ward on pace to obliterate Miami single season records. dark
Arroyo discussed being a leader for Miami. Arroyo and McCormick are leading a very deep and productive Miami TE room. The 2024 season will be the most production Miami has had at TE since Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory combined for 60 receptions for 905 yards and 11 TDs in 2020.