National expert projects WR Keyshawn Smith Miami Hurricanes key player
Mike Farrell of Rivals.Com projects wide receiver Keyshawn Smith to be the key offensive player for the Miami Hurricanes in 2022. The list does not include quarterbacks or transfers. Smith led the returning Miami WRs in 2021 with 26 receptions and three TD catches on 322 receiving yards.
Xavier Restrepo who is projected as the starting slot receiver for Miami led all of the Hurricanes’ returnees in 2021 with 373 receiving yards on 24 receptions with three TDs. The 2021 signees three amigos of Romello Brinson, Jacolby George and Breshard Smith are expected to play bigger roles in 2022.
Michael Redding III and Dazalin Worsham will have a chance to break through into the rotation during spring practice heading into the offseason and then August training camp. Smith showed his explosiveness last season. George had three receptions for 80 yards in the season finale against Duke last year.
Smith was not the highest-ranked when he signed with the Miami of the Hurricanes WRs currently on the roster, but has been the most productive. Smith was a starter in 2021 with Mike Harley and Charleston Rambo because of his big play ability. Farrell listed Smith as the Miami ACC representative of key ACC players.
“And finally, I continue my Power Five sweep of the offensive players that need to step up for each team. Here’s the ACC. Again, no quarterbacks and no transfers…
Miami: WR Key’Shawn Smith—Charleston Rambo is gone and Smith is y best player left on the roster to potentially be No. 1 if I’m not including Frank Ladson (transfer).”
In a three WR offensive set, Smith will be challenged by George, Ladson and potentially Redding for snaps in 2022. Ladson returns home to Miami after recording 31 receptions for 428 yards and six TDs in three seasons at Clemson. Ladson struggled with injuries with the Tigers. A fresh start and could help Ladson.
Miami also signed four-star WR Issiah Horton in the Class of 2022. Miami will have a deep and talented WR corps entering the 2022 season. Projecting Smith as the key offensive player for Miami in 2022 is an interesting take from Farrell. Tight end Will Mallory might be more key with the inexperience Miami has at TE otherwise.
