D’Eriq King has been everything Miami football fans could have hoped for.
Without D’Eriq King, there is next to no way the Miami football team is ranked No. 9 overall.
In Manny Diaz‘s second year leading the Miami Hurricanes, the head coach has gotten a big boost out of his graduate transfer quarterback. Along with offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, King has been a huge reason for Miami being well on its way to becoming “The U” once again. Had King not played well in Week 11, Miami would have lost to the Virginia Tech Hokies up in Blacksburg.
D’Eriq King has Miami on the precipice of a New Year’s Six bowl appearance
King completed 24-of-38 passes for 255 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions vs. Justin Fuente‘s Hokies. He also had 18 carries for 15 yards a touchdown. Ultimately, King was the difference in this tight game between typical ACC Coastal foes. Miami escaped Lane Stadium with a narrow 25-24 victory over the Hokies, as the Hurricanes improved to 7-1 on the season.
For years, Miami has had the defensive prowess to hold its own in ACC play. The problem has been lackluster play at the quarterback position. While it was up in the air over who well King would adjust from the Group of 5 level to the ACC, he has flourished in his lone year playing for the ‘Canes. He has been in contention for the Heisman Trophy in and out throughout the campaign.
Had Miami not lost in blowout fashion to the juggernaut Clemson Tigers on the road in Death Valley, we might be talking more about how marvelous of an addition King has been to the Miami program. Since eligibility will not be counted this year, there is a possibility King could return to Coral Gables for a super-duper senior season and contend for the Heisman Trophy again in 2021.
Had King picked somewhere else to play this season, Miami’s record might be Virginia Tech’s.
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