A sidelined four-star recruit poised for a breakout, Daylyn Upshaw could unlock explosive plays for the Miami Hurricanes' revamped offense.
As the Miami Hurricanes brought reinforcements during the offseason to the wide receiver core in All-ACC Cooper Barkate, Vandrevius Jacobs, and Cam Vaughn, there’s a returning talent that could earn a bigger role. Daylyn Upshaw is coming off a limited freshman season, catching seven passes for 105 yards in five games. He was part of the same recruiting class as running back Girard Pringle Jr., safety Bryce Fitzgerald, edge rusher Hayden Lowe, and star wide receiver Malachi Toney.
Upshaw was a four-star recruit from Central High School, a public institution located in Phoenix, Arizona. He caught 160 passes for 2,764 yards, scoring 36 touchdowns in 38 total games over three seasons. The former three-star recruit received interest and offers from numerous programs, including the Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, Auburn Tigers, Georgia Bulldogs, Ole Miss Rebels, Missouri Tigers, Texas Longhorns, and Tennessee Volunteers, along with others. Upshaw would commit to the Hurricanes on Sept. 13, 2024.
Despite little action on the field, the developing prospect looks to bounce back from a significant foot injury, which sidelined him throughout the College Football Playoffs. Upshaw is projected to be Toney’s backup as a slot wide receiver. After the departures of Joshisa Trader, Ny Carr, Chance Robinson, and Nathaniel “Ray Ray” Joseph, the 18-year-old is poised to earn extensive opportunities.
Upshaw posted a photo on his Instagram story on Wednesday working out with newly-added and All-ACC quarterback Darian Mensah and Toney in Los Angeles.
The Hurricanes’ offense could improve from last season and carve out extra explosive plays.
Regardless of being sidelined on the path towards a National Championship appearance, Upshaw was able to witness up close what it required to get to the biggest stage of college football.
As Toney comes off a historic freshman season, catching a nation’s high 109 passes for 1,211 yards, scoring 13 total touchdowns, the element of surprise is no longer available to him. However, Upshaw doesn’t have the extensive film for opponents to create defensive schemes. He could provide a significant boost for the Hurricanes’ new-looking offense.
As a slot wide receiver, Upshaw will have opportunities to fly under the radar with Barkate, Jacobs, Vaughn, and Joshua Moore running down each side of the field. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson could create plays specifically for him to be the primary target.
The talent is there and Upshaw is already familiar with the Hurricanes’ system. However, meeting the program’s new standard will present a new challenge.
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