Miami Football: Where the Hurricanes Turn Without Star Receiver Stacy Coley

The Miami Hurricanes will be without star receiver Stacy Coley against Arkansas State during a nonconference meeting Saturday afternoon.

A few players will be called upon to replace the sophomore's contributions, and the 'Canes fortunately have sufficient depth outside. Granted, it's not an endless supply of reserves, but unlike every other position on offense, wide receiver is one spot where Miami could afford a second injury.

Miami is relying on a true freshman quarterback, running back would be awfully thin without Duke Johnson, tight end Beau Sandland transferred and the offensive line is the weakest link as it stands.

When the Hurricanes take the field at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, three backup receivers will be forced to enter the spotlight.

Herb Waters

Credit: 247Sports

Though Herb Waters is currently the team's leader in both receptions and yards, that stat is somewhat deceiving. The junior has hauled in nine passes, but six came on the final drive of Miami's season-opening loss to Louisville and he nabbed another in garbage time against Florida A&M.

That needs to change Saturday. Since Rashawn Scott is also sidelined, Waters and Phillip Dorsett will be the top receivers.

The Hurricanes are expected to open up the playbook, and Waters has a history of explosive plays. Of his 47 career catches, 10 have gone for 20-plus yards.

Dorsett is undoubtedly the superior downfield threat, but QB Brad Kaaya should look for Waters in the intermediate range.

Malcolm Lewis

Credit: 247Sports

Before the season, I labeled Malcolm Lewis the team's X-factor, and it's definitely time for him to become that in Coley's absence.

After overcoming a pair of tough injuries himself, the wideout is back to full strength this season.

Christy Cabrera Chirinos of the Sun Sentinel noted that Lewis said, "I feel like I can break any guy down now. I don't have anything holding me back. I can just be full speed at everything. Play every play like it's your last."

The sophomore receiver has only caught two passes this season, being targeted a single time on a snap called back by a holding penalty.

Since Lewis can line up both on the outside and in the slot, he is a prime candidate for bubble screens, hitches and other quick throws—Coley's main routes.

Braxton Berrios

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

Through two games, freshman Braxton Berrios has made his presence known with seven catches for 62 yards and three punt returns for 21 yards.

According to Susan Miller Degnan of The Miami Herald, head coach Al Golden said the receiver is "trustworthy, which is important for the quarterback."

Prior to arriving at Miami, Kaaya and Berrios had already established a connection, something the duo is demonstrating on a weekly basis. According to David Lake of 247Sports (subscription required), Berrios said it now comes naturally:

"

We are kind of pulling each other along. We are getting early playing time and we are in the same boat with pressure and coming out as true freshmen. We are feeding off each other and talking to each other throughout the whole thing on and off the field. We are around each other a lot and it just comes naturally now.

"

Kaaya will be looking in Berrios' direction throughout the game because they are clearly comfortable on the field.