Transfer Spotlight – Miami QB D’Eriq King
At CFB Saturdays we recognize that the landscape is always changing in College Football and the undeniable impact transfers have had on our beloved sport in recent history. Transfers have gone on to make College Football Playoff runs, win the Heisman, the National Championship, and become top NFL Draft Picks (Joe Burrow recently accomplished all of the above). Over the next few days, we will take a look at the potential impact of top Transfers in 2020 in our Transfer Spotlight Series. Today we take a look at Miami QB D’Eriq King who is currently ranked 4th in our 2020 Top 25 QB Rankings.
A Difficult Transition into 2019
D’Eriq entered the 2019 season after posting video game like numbers in 2018 averaging 271.1 yards per game, 63.5% completions, 36 TDs & 6 INTs while also rushing for 674 yards and 14 TDs on the ground. Those absurd numbers were compiled in just under 10 games (King was injured in the 9th contest). The true dual threat passer endured a coaching change in the offseason when Dana Holgerson came over from West Virginia in 2019. The sonic speed, deep shot reliant, spread attack of Kendall Briles was replaced by Holgerson’s multiple pace spread offense focused on the intermediate game.
The results were atrocious out of the gate. King’s production took a sharp decline as he only threw for 165.75 yards per game, 52.7% completions, 6 TDs & 2 INTs (he did run for 312 yards & 6 TDs). King’s drop in production contributed, but the Houston defense provided no support ranking 118th in yards allowed per game and 127th in yards per play. Houston lost to their first three FBS opponents and the Cougars were sitting at 1-3 when D’Eriq King took advantage of the NCAA’s often debated redshirt rule. In an unprecedented move, the senior sat out for the rest of the season to preserve his last year of eligibility.
From Senior Redshirt to Miami QB
On the night of the National Championship game, D’Eriq King announced that he would be seeking a transfer. One week later he announced he would be joining the Miami Hurricanes led by head coach Manny Diaz. Much like King, Diaz did not have the season he anticipated in 2019. A porous offensive line, lack of consistent QB play, and a poor scheme fit with Dan Enos snowballed into a forgettable 6-7 season including an embarrassing loss to cross-town rival FIU. The Canes failed to score more than 25 points in nine contests and were shut-out by non-Power 5 opponent Lousiana Tech in their bowl game.
To his credit Diaz responded aggressively by parting ways with offensive coordinator Dan Enos. Diaz would find his replacement in SMU OC Rhett Lashlee who was coming off of a tremendous season with the Mustangs. Lashlee worked wonders with transfer QB Shane Buechele in 2019 and lead the SMU offense 41.8 points per game (7th best in 2019). That success coupled with Lashlee’s exciting high tempo, quick hit, attack were enough to attract King to Coral Gables.
The Many Tools of D’Eriq King
D’Eriq King has plenty of tools for Miami OC Rhett Lashlee to work with. King has displayed terrific arm strength at the collegiate level connecting on both deep passes and fitting the ball into tight windows between the hashes. The Texas native enhances that ability by throwing with anticipation, making quick decisions, and rarely throwing interceptions (1 per 59.4 attempts and 0 against Power 5 competition). The Miami QB’s rushing ability is elite and without a doubt his most impressive tool. King has rushed for just under 6.0 yards per carry as a QB in his career and scored an eye popping 27 rushing TDs in 19 QB starts. This type of athleticism allows King to consistently avoid pressure and find a target down field – a demoralizing feeling for opponents.
Although there is much to love about D’Eriq King’s game, there are legitimate concerns. His small stature is a clear starting point as the listed 5’11” 190 pounder is probably an inch or two shorter. Durability concerns are genuine as played in no more than 10 games as a QB in a season. King’s accuracy against Power 5 competition also needs improvement as he only completed 54.4% of his passes against four such opponents (Arizona, Texas Tech, Oklahoma & Washington State). Granted it was a step up in competition level (although none are defensive juggernauts) but it remains to be seen if the issues stem from King’s play or result from an overmanned supporting cast. It will be an interesting storyline to follow as he should have a supporting cast capable of navigating the ACC schedule at Miami.
King the Catalyst for Miami in 2020
Despite the inexcusable performance on offense in 2019, the 2020 Hurricanes have some players for King to work with. WR Mike Harley returns as the team’s slot receiver and juniors Dee Wiggins and Mark Pope have plenty of potential. Redshirt freshmen Jeremiah Payton has received plenty of offseason praise since his first spring on campus and will challenge the incumbents. Often regarded as TE U (#4 in the last decade), the Canes return star Brevin Jordan along with the promising Will Mallory. Junior RB Cam’Ron Harris has flashed but will be the lead back for the first time in his career. Harris will likely be spelled by two true freshmen talents in Don Chaney and Jaylan Knighton. The playmakers may not have proven production, but with King at the helm, they may finally have the consistent QB play needed to showcase their talents.
The Hurricanes issues upfront are the biggest weakness on the roster. The team started two true freshmen in LT Zion Nelson and G Jakai Clark, and a third freshmen in redshirt John Campbell who played frequently. Former Freshmen All-American Navaughn Donaldson was inconsistent and the team’s most consistent offensive linemen, G DJ Scaife, was forced to play RT early in the season. The unit gave up 3.92 sacks per game (127th in FBS) and 7.08 TFLs per game (111th in FBS). The Canes hope that the new offensive staff led by Rhett Lashlee can help the line develop into a capable unit.
Yet for all of the Hurricanes concerns, they still have D’Eriq King. The new Miami QB’s tremendous athleticism will only help the offensive line. Aside from another year’s experience, a new scheme, and new coaches, the line will see those sack numbers decrease due to King’s elusiveness, quick decision making, and anticipation. King will also help open up rushing lanes for the Canes RBs in RPO and zone read looks as his rushing threat cannot be ignored by opponents. Dual threats have been difficult for college defenses to handle for years and King will be one of the better ones. With a defense that promises one of the best pass rushes in the nation, the offense will finally have an advantage at the most important position on the field.
The King has come to South Beach and his talents will soon be on display for a storied Miami Hurricane program.
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