Analysis: Miami 4-star WR commit Daylyn Upshaw brings awesome catch-and-run ability to Coral Gables

Miami added plenty of talented pass-catchers in the 2024 cycle, but new 2025 receiver commit Daylyn Upshaw has a unique skillset slightly different from most receivers the Hurricanes have landed in head coach Mario Cristobal’s first three recruiting cycles in Coral Gables.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound four-star receiver from Phenix City (Ala.) Central doesn’t boast the size of a Colbie Young or the ability to win 50-50 balls like Joshisa Trader, but he has the open-field ability to demand respect from defensive coordinators and can make undisciplined tacklers miss in open field. Upshaw generally does a good job catching the ball away from his body and accelerates well off the line of scrimmage, but his run-after-catch ability can make him truly dangerous as a receiver.

Upshaw has lined up plenty as an outside X or Z receiver, although he looks his best and most comfortable in the slot against off coverage. He has the top-end speed to run deep fades and post routes against corners and demands respect as a deep threat, but in a Miami receiver room that has steadily added prospects the staff hopes it can rely on to take shots downfield, I like the addition of a player with Upshaw’s skillset.

Upshaw is an excellent quick-game receiver dangerous on slants, curls and different routes between 10 and 15 yards downfield and has proven explosive after catching the ball in space. He thrives in the slot against safeties and linebackers playing away from the line of scrimmage and is excellent as a quarterback’s first read on one-hitch throws intended to give a wideout room to operate against soft defenses. His effectiveness in short routes also allows him to set defenders up for double moves, which he has steadily improved throughout his high school career too.

His acceleration out of breaks during routes allows him to gain distance from most cornerbacks he faces, and he typically does a good job separating just before the catch without being flagged for offensive pass interference. But he can be a difference-maker when he catches the ball short and make his first defender miss.

I believe Upshaw could develop into another Jacolby George-type player in Miami given their similar frames, skillsets and high school production numbers. Upshaw recorded 59 receptions for 1185 yards and 15 touchdowns his junior season while George finished with 46 catches for 1030 yards and 12 touchdowns his junior year of high school. The two recorded 1188 and 1221 all-purpose yards in their respective junior seasons.

I believe his playing time early in his career could be greatly affected by whether or not he early enrolls.

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