Analysis: Miami gets desperately-needed speed with Tyler Harrell

Miami desperately needed speed and playmaking on the perimeter heading into this offseason.

The Hurricanes got both with the addition of Alabama transfer receiver Tyler Harrell, who committed to the Canes Friday evening.

Harrell only saw action in six games after missing the first half of the season recovering from injury, but he’s better known for his speed and highlight reels from his four years at Louisville from 2018-2021. And as the 6-foot, 194-pound Miami (Fla.) Columbus product makes his return to South Florida, the former three-star prospect could add the dynamic, game-changing speed the Hurricanes need.

Harrell has recorded a 4.24-second 40-yard dash and had 18 catches for 523 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games in 2021 before transferring to Alabama as a redshirt junior in 2022, although he struggled to work his way up the depth chart last season. He only recorded two catches for 18 yards with the Crimson Tide, but if he can be the same dynamic receiver we saw at Louisville in 2021, he could give Miami the receiving boost it dearly needs.

Harrell turned into a legitimate deep threat with the ability to create space from most defensive backs at Louisville in 2021, recording a 92-yard touchdown and multiple plays over 60 yards. He had success both wide and in the slot for the Cardinals and was able to outrun nearly any defensive back in space, which fit perfectly into Louisville’s speed-oriented offense — and should elevate Miami’s as well.

ANALYSIS: Why Alabama transfer portal WR Tyler Harrell makes sense for Miami Hurricanes

He improved significantly in one-on-one and contested catch situations as a receiver during the 2021 season but has struggled with consistency throughout his career. He also struggled to work his way up Alabama’s depth chart after missing the first half of the season with an injury. But if he can stay healthy and find the same production he had at Louisville, he could potentially fight for a starting spot at Miami.

Harrell excelled on deep post and in-breaking routes, particularly in situations that allowed him to burn past slower safeties and find holes in opposing defenses. Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson’s offense doesn’t feature quite as many crossing patterns or play action shots out of rollouts (which Louisville’s pistol offense relied heavily on), but the Canes pass-friendly offense should offer opportunities for playmaking.

The former three-star prospect will need to work his way up Miami’s depth chart. However, he could have potential as a rotational piece, occasional deep threat and value as a horizontal target on jet sweeps and screen plays.

All in all, Harrell may not be the game-changing receiver who instantly fixes a Miami receiving corps that struggled mightily last season (and continued to struggle during the spring game), but he’ll add speed, agility and deep-ball playmaking Miami has lacked if he can avoid the injury bug.

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