Charlotte, NC – The Hurricanes are looking to get the season started in a big way as they open up the 2021 season in Atlanta against the defending National Champion, the Alabama Crimson Tide. Though a tall task to take down the Tide at any time, it’s an opportunity that the Canes relish.
“The biggest thing with NIL. It is a great opportunity for every athlete around the country….”, said Miami safety Bubba Bolden. He continued to emphasize the importance of maintaining focus on football though, “we keep the main thing the main thing and that is football.”
This will be the last ride for quarterback D’Eriq King at The U. Though King has already started to cash in on the NIL benefits for student-athletes, with multiple deals headed by his brother and manager Keshon, he is just one of many athletes that have started to benefit from NIL at Miami. And like Bolden, King kept his comments on the subject short and sweet.
King leads up a senior class that head coach Manny Diaz describes as the “Super Senior Class.” In addition to the long list of seniors on the team, the Canes are returning 19 of 22 starters on offense and defense.
“It was an easy decision. Being the starting quarterback of Miami is a big deal….” said King of his decision to come back as he enters his 6th collegiate season. “I want to give to the University, I want to give my all to the University, and that is why I decided to come back.”
The Canes’ ACC schedule won’t get underway until week five of the season when they host Virginia on September 30th at Hard Rock Stadium. By the time they get to ACC play, the tale of their season’s story will have already taken shape. In addition to their week one showdown with the Tide, they host Appalachian State and Michigan State in consecutive weeks to start the season. Berry Tramel of the Oklahoman ranks Miami’s schedule as the 6th most difficult in the country.
“The focus is on now. When that time comes, it comes,” said Canes wide receiver Michael Harley Jr. on their matchup against Alabama to open the season.
