Miami started out 2020 winning 8 of their first 9 games, with their only loss coming to the #1 ranked Clemson Tigers. But after that they got powerbombed by UNC, as they lost by 100 points (~approximate), had a game canceled with Georgia Tech, and then a devastating loss to Oklahoma St in the Cheez-It Bowl, a game in which the Canes lost star QB D’Eriq King to a devastating knee injury. This year, Miami looks to rebound from the downward spiral at the end of last year and get back to being “The U.”
We give out preseason awards to players that will look to steer the Hurricanes back in the right direction.
The obvious offensive MVP, so obvious that we almost picked someone else, but then it would just be contrarian for contrarian’s sake, award: QB D’Eriq King
It’s not hyperbole to say as King goes, so does the Miami offense. As he tries to come back from the aforementioned knee injury, a ton of expectations fall on his shoulders. If he’s healthy, he’s one of the best QBs in the QB rich ACC. If he’s not, well…not good. And while the Canes’ QB room is a step up from the N’Kosi Perry’s (RIP) and Tathan Martell’s (double RIP) of the world, the drop-off from D’Eriq is steep. King is the straw that stirs OC Rhett Lashlee’s drink.
The Hey Dad, I can’t see real good, is that Bill Shakespeare Jeremy Shockey over there Award: TE Will Mallory
Will Mallory will have some big shoes to fill, as last year’s stud tight end Brevin Jordan is off to greener NFL pastures. Can Will fill said big shoes? The short answer is yeah. The long answer is hellz yeah! Mallory has the potential to be a breakout star. He finished 2020 with 22 rec and 329 yards, including 4 touchdowns in only 7 starts. Watch the big 6’5″, 245-pound TE to become a fav of QB D’Eriq King.
The Hit Stick, Bust D*ck, Talk Sh*t Award: S Bubba Bolden
The Canes’ defense was ravaged by defections to the NFL (a good thing) by the likes of star players such as LB Jaelan Phillips. That will leave quite a few holes for them to navigate. But one area they won’t have to worry about is Safety Bubba Bolden. #21 is the defensive MVP. Bolden led the team in tackles last year with 74, including 6.5 TFL, 4 forced fumbles, 1 sack, and 1 interception. He is the field general of that Canes defense.
The 2nd Best Zion Ever to Play in the ACC Award: LT Zion Nelson
Can a breakout player breakout a second time? We’re about to find out. LT went from a revolving door O-lineman his freshman year to taking a massing leap forward his sophomore year. His steady play helped anchor the O-line. As a result, the Canes averaged 1.5 less sacks/game. Now, with a great season, Nelson has a chance to leap all the way up to potential 1st round NFL Draft pick. Eat your heart out, other Zion!
Be sure to check out our previous ACC team award features:
