Coach’s take on Miami Hurricanes four-star WR commit Daylyn Upshaw: “He is truly a veteran when it comes to the game of football”

Over the last two years, Phenix City (Ala.) Central High School wide receivers coach Cody Sanders has seen his four-star wide receiver and Miami commit Daylyn Upshaw blossom into a national recruit and one of the most sought-after pass catchers in the 2025 class.

Under Sanders and Red Devils head coach Pat Nix, who formerly served as the offensive coordinator at Miami in 2007, Upshaw is not only counted on to make big plays but also as another coach on the field.

“For me, the biggest thing that sticks out about Daylyn and separates him from anyone I’ve ever coached is his IQ because it’s next level,” Sanders told CaneSport. “That might be the boring answer, but his IQ is next level to the point where I couldn’t tell you how many times in games we’ll be sitting there and whether it’s a coverage or whatever the case may be, and we’re trying to figure it out in between series what we can do to utilize this or that, and Daylyn comes to the sidelines and lets us know what he thinks will work.

“There has never been a time that Daylyn has spoken up and said something that either didn’t work or coach Nix didn’t listen to him. Daylyn genuinely understands the game of football, whether that be zones or press; he knows how to beat you. He is truly a veteran when it comes to the game of football, and it starts in the film room.”

Upshaw’s IQ is just one area that most impresses Sanders. He also believes the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder is as dynamic as they come with the football in his hands.

As a junior, Upshaw hauled in 59 receptions for 1,185 yards and 15 touchdowns en route to an Alabama 7A state championship.

“Daylyn is easily one of the most electric kids I’ve ever coached,” Sanders said. “I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of a lot of great teams that have had some good players go to the next level and play in the NFL. I even had the opportunity to play alongside a guy like Tyreek Hill at West Alabama. I’ve played with dudes and coached a ton of guys, and he’s easily the most explosive and electric guy I’ve ever coached in my entire tenure. Simply from the standpoint of sideline to sideline, north, west, south, and east, it doesn’t matter.”

Whether it be his ability to make contested catches, create separation off the line, or make defenders miss in the open field, the Miami commit can do it all, according to Sanders.

“He’s one of the best route runners I’ve ever seen, and he creates separation,” Sanders said. “Not only is he electric, but the separation he creates and his in-game speed speaks for itself. I say this lightly because everyone has room for improvement, but where he’s at this junction of his career he’s flawless. What I mean by that is yes, of course, when he gets to the next level, he has to improve speed-wise and route-running, and he’s got to get bigger. Obviously, there is room for improvement, and I’m not saying he could go to the NFL right now. I’m saying where he’s at in this point of his life at 17 years old, he’s far and few in between at a higher standpoint athletically than most kids his age around the country.”

While Upshaw was recently named a four-star prospect, coming in as the No. 378 overall prospect in the 2025 class and the No. 61 wide receiver this cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, Sanders believes Miami has landed a diamond in the rough.

“I feel like, to some degree, he is a sleeper,” Sanders said. “I feel like people see him and think he’s a good talent, but not really a big deal. When it’s all said and done, I think he’ll be one of the best decisions coach Kevin Beard and Miami made offering him. You’re getting a big personality with him, a genuine kid, and someone who works his butt off.”

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