From Liberty City recruit to Heisman hopeful, this versatile sophomore standout led the nation in catches while dominating as a returner, rusher, and occasional deep-ball passer.
MIAMI, Fla. – As the countdown for the upcoming college football season continues, the Miami Hurricanes’ quest to return to the National Championship grows closer. Despite suffering a heartbreaking 27-21 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers, the Coral Gables program did a tremendous job of surpassing the roster’s previous talent level.
Given the several new faces, including All-ACC quarterback Darian Mensah, wide receiver Malachi Toney remains in familiar territory. As a 17-year-old reclassified freshman, the local Liberty City native took the college football world by surprise. Coming in as a three-star recruit, Toney ended up leading the nation with 109 catches for 1,211 yards.
According to CBS Sports, the Hurricanes’ rising star is ranked the second-best offensive skill player ahead of the upcoming season – only behind Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver and All-American Jeremiah Smith.
Toney’s impact on the field goes beyond completing catches. He rushed 23 times for 113 yards, scoring a touchdown against the Louisville Cardinals. On special teams, Toney returned 23 punts for 298 yards, with no touchdowns.
The 18-year-old sophomore was named to the Jet Award Preseason Watch List.
What could be better than having a wide receiver who can catch, return, and rush the football? Passing it.
At American Heritage Schools, Toney gained experience as a quarterback. He completed 38 of 53 passes, 71.7 percent, throwing for 524 yards and eight touchdowns, including an interception, in 14 games as a junior, according to MaxPreps.
Toney showed some arm talent by completing four of seven passes, throwing for 82 yards and two touchdowns against the North Carolina State Wolfpack and Pitt Panthers. Most of the quarterback plays came in the final four games of the regular season, which gave the Hurricanes the nod to make the College Football Playoffs in the first place.
An aspect of Toney’s game that doesn’t get talked about enough is blocking. He’s shown a willingness to open routes for others. In an early-season matchup against Florida, Toney made a few notable blocks against former Gators defensive back Sharif Denson – who is currently on the Ole Miss Rebels’ roster.
Toney’s rise to stardom earned him ACC Rookie and Offensive Rookie of the Year, All-ACC First Team honors, and the Football Writers Association of America’s Freshman of the Year.
Ahead of fall camp and the upcoming season, he’s projected to carve out an All-American and Heisman Trophy campaign. The jump from a three-star recruit to one of college football’s most prolific stars isn’t some fluke. It’s hard work and dedication from a player who’s more concerned about team success than individual accolades.
Toney is looking to help the Hurricanes return to the big stage, ending with different results.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
