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Second team receivers emerging as big part of Miami offense

Second team receivers are emerging as key contributors in the Miami offense in 2024.

By Alan Rubenstein

Aug 31, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Isaiah Horton (2) runs with the ball from Florida Gators defensive back Jordan Castell (14) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Aug 31, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Isaiah Horton (2) runs with the ball from Florida Gators defensive back Jordan Castell (14) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images / Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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The second-team running backs, tight ends and wide receivers are emerging as key contributors for Miami in the passing game in 2024. Backups had nine receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown for Miami in the season-opening 41-17 win at Florida last week.

The biggest impact came from WR Isaiah Horton. Although Horton did not start, he tied with Sam Brown and Jacolby George with 42 snaps. That was the second most among the Miami WRs versus Florida. Slot Xavier Restrepo led the Miami receivers with 54 snaps played versus Florida.

Horton tied for second with Miami starting TE Elijah Arroyo with four receptions, was second to Restrepo with 70 receiving yards and fourth on the Hurricanes with five targets. Horton is a defacto co-starter with Brown and Jacolby George. Brown had three receptions for 17 yards versus Florida on seven targets.

George finished with two receptions for 25 yards on four targets. Miami quarterback Cam Ward completed passes to nine different receivers in the win over Florida. Restrepo should expected to be frequently targeted in every game. The other frequently targeted receivers could rotate depending on matchups.

Backup TE Elija Lofton had two receptions for 38 yards versus Florida. Lofton's second reception was for 35 yards and allowed Miami to run the clock out. Lofton had 37 of his 38 yards after the catch. Miami has a deep TE unit. Lofton played only six snaps versus Florida, Sophomore Riley Williams is a player to watch.

Veteran TE Cameron McCormick was also a big contributor for Miami last week with a nine-yard TD reception. McCormick played 14 snaps, which was the third most among the TEs behind Arroyo with 44 and Williams with 25. The backup Miami RBs also contributed as receivers.

Mark Fletcher had a key 22-yard reception in the third quarter to get Miami into the red zone on the Florida seven-yardline. Two plays later Fletcher went airborne for a one-yard run to extend Miami's lead to 31-0. Florida was never closer than 21 points in the remainder of the game. Freshman RB Jordan Lyle also has one reception for one yard.

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True freshman Ray Ray Joseph played eight snaps and redshirt junior Shemar Kirk played three. Freshman JoJo Trader was out with an injury. Joseph and Trader are players to watch as they continue to develop throughout the season. This is one of the deepest groups of receivers Miami has had recently.

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