Heading into the season, the biggest question on the offense was the wide receivers and if they were capable of replacing the production they were losing from last season.
Miami lost its top six pass catchers, and the wide receiver room this season is filled with young talent, yet inexperienced, and a few new transfers to boost the Hurricanes’ passing attack.
After the huge season opener and now having two games watching this room, the Canes have a dynamic duo that is one of the best in the country.
LSU transfer CJ Daniels is a walking highlight reel to begin the season as he has been making incredible plays for Carson Beck and this offense. True freshman Malachi Toney took over the college football world in his very first game against Notre Dame and now, Pro Football Focus (PFF) views them as the best wide receiver duo in the country to begin the season.
Starting with the X-receiver, Daniels has caught all of his targets to begin the season. He has recorded ten receptions for 119 yards and three touchdowns. He has a 155.8 NFL Passer Rating when targeted, which is among the top for wide receivers in college football.
On the other hand, there is a real argument to be made that Toney is already the best slot receiver in the country, despite being 17 years old. He’s recorded 12 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown. In almost every advanced metric, Toney is among the best in the country.
To see Daniels and Toney being the highest-graded duo with an elite 80+ PFF grade is reassuring. The skepticism and questions surrounding the playmakers have quieted down a bit, and that is also facing the fact that we haven’t seen Joshisa “JoJo” Trader.
Trader was the playmaker everyone was hyping up (rightfully so) and eager to see start the season. Unfortunately, he has been suffering from an injury, but he looks to be on the mend for this weekend’s top-25 matchup against South Florida.
USF’s secondary has held its own against Boise State and Florida, but PFF does not believe in the production they have showcased thus far. Both outside corners are graded 65.4 and 61.9, with the nickel corner for the Bulls being graded at 59.9.
Daniels and Toney should be able to have a field day on Saturday against USF. Trader is expected to play and if he is anywhere near healthy enough to look like himself, he should make an instant impact on the game.
The dynamic duo of Daniels and Toney will be an essential part of the passing game in defeating the red-hot Bulls. With another great game, they’ll continue to receive their recognition and be regarded as one of the best duos in the country.
Things will only get scarier for opposing defenses if Trader starts making his impact. Miami would no longer have a dynamic duo, but a three-headed monster with that trio of playmakers.
