The University of Miami feels like it is about to return to greatness.
A buzz has been created in South Florida, and D’Eriq King is the reason for it. He transferred to the Hurricanes from the University of Houston in 2020 and brought excitement to the program.
Miami finished with an 8-3 record and King was a semifinalist for Maxwell, Davey O’Brien, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards.
He totaled 27 touchdowns, but he opens his redshirt senior year versus Alabama. The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder was featured on Stephen A’s World last week on ESPN+.
RELATED: ESPN unveils commentary team for Alabama’s matchup against Miami
After discussing his NIL deals, Stephen A. Smith got into a conversation about Miami’s season opener. King complimented the Crimson Tide in calling it the ‘best team of the decade,’ but he is ‘super confident’ in himself and his teammates to possibly pull out an upset. He faces a legendary head coach in Nick Saban; however, the native Texan is excited to show what the ‘Canes can do.
*D’Eriq King talks about his excitement to play Alabama at the 7:29 mark
“I’m not saying we’ll lose to anyone,” King said. “I say we finish at No. 1.”
Alabama is a tall order for anyone, but King is a competitor. He relishes the opportunity to face the best team of his lifetime.
According to Fan Duel, the Tide is a -17 point favorite over the Hurricanes. Other betting sites have Alabama listed as an -18 point favorite for the matchup on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC. Bryce Young will be the new quarterback for the Crimson Tide, and national outlets have him in the Heisman conversation.
King is confident, but we shall see what happens in two weeks.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “watch” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
