CORAL GABLES – After a sophomore season where DeeJay Dallas took the next step as a reserve running back, he now sets his sights on a new task: being a starter.
Playing behind Oxbridge Academy alum Travis Homer, Dallas saw action in all 13 of the Hurricanes games last season, primarily as a do-it-all player out of the backfield. Dallas finished the season with a team-high 1,260 scrimmage yards and six rushing touchdowns.
Now, Homer is in the NFL. After a standout career with the Hurricanes, Homer was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks.
Homer’s NFL Draft selection has effectively placed Dallas in the spotlight as the University of Miami’s most experienced running back.
“Proud of him,” Dallas said about Homer. “He’s going to ball up there, no doubt about that.”
During the offseason, Dallas has focused on trimming down on his weight, something that he also focused on last season. In the offseason between his freshman and sophomore seasons, Dallas focused on improving his stature and his frame.
“I’ve lost like 20 pounds,” Dallas said. “Getting into good condition, good game shape.”
Dallas also welcomed the birth of his baby boy in the offseason, giving this season new perspective.
“Just knowing that I do have responsibilities now,” Dallas said about the birth of his child. “Just knowing that I have to take care of my responsibilities, and do what I can to help him live the best life possible.”
Going into this season, Dallas will likely be used more than ever.
Earlier in camp, head coach Manny Diaz announced that redshirt freshman Jarren Williams would be the starting quarterback. Last season, Williams made his only appearance late in a game against Savannah State, where he threw just three passes.
This situation likely puts more on Dallas to help move the ball for the Hurricanes offense. “He plays with some swag that all the quarterbacks have,” Dallas said about Williams. “He’s a game manger. He’s like a point guard.”
The Hurricanes will open up their season on Saturday, August 24 against in-state rival Florida. It’s safe to say that Dallas, like the rest of the Hurricanes, are ready to get the season started.
“I’m ready. If we had to play tomorrow, I’m ready,” Dallas said. “I’m just ready [for us] to stop hitting each other!”
PHOTO CREDITS: Jeffrey Wimbrow and Naji Tobias
