July Player Performance Index top 30 deep dive: No. 26 WR Jacolby George
CaneSport is breaking down the top 30 Miami players on the roster, and today we’re at No. 26, WR Jacolby George.
THE BIG PICTURE
The reason Jacolby George, a guy who hasn’t done much in his two years at Miami, is in the top 30 on this list? Well, he was a spring standout, showing explosiveness, smooth route running and great hands. That was encouraging, as it looks like he could finally live up to his vast potential in a new offense run by first-year Canes coordinator Shannon Dawson. There’s also every opportunity for him to break out, with no receiver standout out a year ago (the top WR production-wise was Colbie Young with just 367 yards). So the opportunity is there, the talent is there. Now, does that mean he’s a definite starter? Not quite. The job is very much open to competition, and the aforementioned Young will be joined by Isaiah Horton, Frank Ladson, JUCO arrival Shemar Kirk and speedy Alabama transfer Tyler Harrell plus freshman Robby Washington at the outside spots. George also could factor in as a return guy – last season he had five punt returns with a long of 18 yards; his lone kickoff return went for 21 yards.
THE ANALYSIS
George is looking for his first role as a starter at Miami, and he was with the first team throughout the spring and looked like an explosive outside guy. But as mentioned above there is going to be stiff competition this fall. As for his past history? George arrived at Miami as a 4-star highly touted playmaker out of Lauderhill (Fla.) Plantation High School. As a freshman at Miami in 2021 he played in nine games off the bench and had seven catches for 183 yards, then this past season he was suspended for the first two games and never had more than 39 yards in a game (vs. Pitt). He ended with 13 receptions for 130 yards. To this point George simply has not been able to showcase his explosiveness. Per Pro Football Focus he graded out at 64.2 percent on offense last season in 168 reps and had a 62.3 receiving grade with two dropped passes on 17 targets. The signs are there, though, that this can be a breakout year for him. But he’ll have to land the starting job first.
THE PROJECTION
This fall George has to show he can be relied on as an outside downfield threat. There is a lot of competition for reps with an 11-strong receiver room. So the best players will emerge. If the spring was any indication, George should be a guy that, even if he doesn’t start, gets plenty of reps. We see 400+ yards and 4+ TDs this season for him. He has enough speed and wiggle to make some big plays down the field for Tyler Van Dyke.
THE JUMP HE NEEDS FROM SPRING TO FALL CAMP
To this point he hasn’t shown that he can get the job done with any consistency in games. But his play this spring showed he might be ready to step up in a big way. So now that has to continue into Miami’s fall camp. He can’t take any steps backward, and has to keep his head on straight (regarding the suspension last year). Work hard, earn your reps and produce. That’s the formula that George needs to use in August if he’s going to emerge as a playmaking starter. George may be poised for a breakout season, but he’ll have to earn it.
THE QUOTE
“This (offense) is more explosive, more opportunities for the receivers. More deep balls, letting us be us.” –Jacolby George, on the Shannon Dawson offense
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