Manny Diaz impressed by D'Eriq King, receivers after first scrimmage

After nine practices, the Miami Hurricanes had their first scrimmage of 2021 on Sunday night. Veteran quarterback D’Eriq King, who suffered a torn ACL in last year’s Cheez-It Bowl, appears to be ready to go for the year.

“Guys played hard, but the story is it’s great to see D’Eriq King,” Miami head coach Manny Diaz said in a post-scrimmage press conference posted to YouTube. “I thought he was phenomenal running the offense. 12-for-16, 124 [yards], two touchdowns, extended plays with his legs. Guy’s a tough guy to defend.”

Diaz has been high on King for all of fall camp.

This will be King’s sixth year taking collegiate snaps. After four years at Houston, the now 24-year-old transferred to Miami where he completed 211 passes for 2,686 yards and 23 touchdowns plus 538 yards and four scores on the ground last season. King threw just five interceptions.

The Hurricanes have several weapons at receiver

King will have help this season from what Diaz believes is an extremely deep wide receiver room.

Oklahoma transfer Charleston Rambo had 60 receiving yards and a touchdown on what Diaz called a “beautiful catch in the end zone.” Rambo was considered one of the biggest transfer portal snags in the country this offseason.

Mark Pope, who had 33 receptions for 403 yards last season, added 56 yards on three receptions on Sunday. True freshman Jacolby Jones caught seven passes for 127 yards and a touchdown on a slant route. Miami-native and true freshman Romello Brinson added four receptions for 72 yards. 

Diaz added that sophomore Xavier Restrepo is shaping up to be a contributor this season.

“It wouldn’t be a scrimmage without Restrepo making five catches,” Diaz said. “I mean, the guy does it every time we scrimmage.”

Miami opens with a daunting task

As the Hurricanes’ Week 1 game with Alabama looms, Diaz would like his team to take a leap forward in the coming days.

“There’s evidence on both sides of the ball that this could be an outstanding football team, but there’s also evidence on both sides of the ball that we’re not quite there yet,” Diaz said. “I think that’s what this next week is going to be about. Let’s take that next step and not be satisfied with being good. We think greatness is available.”

Miami faces the Crimson Tide on Sept. 4 in Atlanta. Alabama lost quarterback Mac Jones, running back Najee Harris and Heisman winner DeVonta Smith to the NFL, and Bryce Young and John Metchie III will look to step in in their places. Per usual, Nick Saban’s team does not lack talent, but if there is a time to catch Alabama off-guard, this Week 1 opener is it. The current spread is Alabama -18.5.