8. D’Eriq King, Miami
After four games with the Houston Cougars last year, King announced that he would redshirt for the remainder of the season and return in 2020. While his passing numbers didn’t look right, King did rush for six touchdowns and 312 yards during those four games.
However, the dual-threat quarterback reversed course during the winter, declaring that he would enter the transfer portal. King considered several large football programs, including the LSU Tigers, but he ultimately decided to join the Miami Hurricanes.
King became one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in college football two years ago when he led the Cougars to an 8-5 record. During that season, King completed 63.5% of his pass attempts for 2,982 yards, 36 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also ran for 674 yards and an additional 14 touchdowns. King led the American Athletic Conference in total yards and touchdowns responsible for.
The 5-11 quarterback walks into a situation where he should easily become the next starting quarterback of the Hurricanes. Miami went 6-7 last season, losing to two Conference USA opponents. In the Independence Bowl, Louisiana Tech shutout the Hurricanes in a shocking 0-14 outcome.
Miami has one bowl win in the past 13 seasons. It’s a football program in need of saving. Maybe King can breathe life into the floundering Hurricanes.