Miami RB Jaylan Knighton is stepping his game up at the perfect time

Miami running back Jaylan Knighton has only played in 7 games this season, but he’s still been able to produce one of the most versatile stat lines in the ACC.

Through 12 weeks, Knighton is the only ACC player to record more than 500 rushing yards, 250 receiving yards and 10 or more touchdowns.

The last Miami running back to hit all three of those thresholds was Duke Johnson back in 2014.

Knighton’s emergence over the last month of the season has gone hand-in-hand with the production of freshman quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. The Hurricanes’ offense has been one of the nation’s best over the last six games, averaging 35 points per game over that span.

Nearly all of Knighton’s production this season has come in those six games, in which Miami has posted a 4-2 record. The Hurricanes’ losses came by a combined six points.

His ability to both run the ball out of the backfield and c

atch passes has been a revelation for Miami. It’s also helped open things up tremendously for Van Dyke and star receiver Charleston Rambo.

Knighton’s emergence should give Miami plenty of confidence in the future of the running game. If he, Van Dyke and Rambo all return in 2022, Miami could have the most explosive offense in the ACC next season.

It’s possible Knighton could improve on those marks significantly this week as Miami faces Duke in the regular season finale. Miami is also bowl eligible, so Knight likely has two games remaining this season.

Kick off vs. the Blue Devils is at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.