Every now and then, there’s a player in college football who separates himself from the pack. His talent, attitude and effort could make that individual the face of the sport for an entire season.

College football analyst Kirk Herbstreit believes one quarterback has that opportunity in 2021.

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Speaking on the Tobin and Leroy Show on 790 The Ticket, Herbstreit said that Miami quarterback D’Eriq King has the chance to be the premier player in college football this fall.

“He could be the face of the sport this year,” Herbstreit said. “He is everything that is right about the game. I feel like because he has solidified that position at quarterback, it not only impacts the offense, but also the defense and the belief of an entire team that we can win this game today.”

King transferred to Miami from Houston and played his first year with the Hurricanes in 2020. He threw for 2,686 and 23 touchdowns with just 5 interceptions during Miami’s 8-3 year. King also rushed for 538 yards and 4 additional scores.

Entering the 2021 campaign, King is considered one of the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy and Miami is thought of as one of the top teams in the ACC. The Hurricanes face an incredible challenge in Week 1, playing defending national champion Alabama.

If King can lead the Hurricanes to an unthinkable upset — or even just keep the game close — Herbstreit may be right in his prediction about the second-year QB at Miami.