Hurricanes’ Running Backs big on Potential, Short on Experience

The Miami Hurricanes enter the 2019 season with many questions, as do a lot of teams.

Uncertainty at the quarterback position looms, but there is time to figure out the starter.

Meanwhile the running back room has seen a lot of transition.

Beyond entrenched junior DeeJay Dallas there are many unproven underclassmen.

Dallas led the team with 1260 all-purpose yards in a breakout sophomore campaign, and will likely be a larger part of the offense this year.

This season will be a big one for Deejay Dallas. Hopefully we see some more awesome performances like his 1⃣1⃣4⃣ yard game vs. UNC! #ItsAllAboutTheU (@CanesFootball, @DallasDeejay) pic.twitter.com/ZgNhyrEQ38

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) June 13, 2019

Then Who?

After Dallas on the depth chart there are many questions, but the answers could be exciting and productive.

Sophomore Lorenzo Lingard showed flashes in limited action as a true freshman, averaging eight yards per carry in six games. A leg injury derailed his season but the big play potential is there.

Lingard finished 2018 with 17 carries for 136 yards and two scores. including a 64-yard scamper. He was a top recruit from not only the state of Florida but nationally as well, Lingard can be an excellent compliment to Dallas with his quickness.

Camron Harris enters the year with a similar profile to Lingard, except that his season ended better than it started. Another local product out of Carol City High, Harris was a four-star prospect when he committed to the Hurricanes, he finished with 166 yards on 28 carries (5.9 avg) last season and came on late in the year.

Lingard and Harris should compete for the carries that don’t go to Dallas, each brings a change of pace to the offense. Their inexperience may be a factor, especially with a new quarterback trying to find his way as well.

Dallas is an exemplary teammate and should help mentor both, along with sophomore Robert Burns who fills out the depth chart. Burns is another highly recruited player from Miami out of Gulliver Prep.

If the Hurricanes can get complimentary contributions from their depth backs, along with another productive season from Dallas, this could be a group to watch.