For a program that was once touted as “Quarterback U”, it has been a while since the last quarterback has been drafted. How long you ask, well its been 14 years since Ken Dorsey was picked up by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round. That all will change this year with Brad Kayaa, the junior departed early for the NFL but not before breaking several passing records at the U. Kayaa, a Los Angeles native arrived at the Miami campus right before a couple weeks before camp but was still able to beat out seniors for the job.
2016 Miami Hurricanes Position Review: Quarterbacks
Starter
Brad Kayaa
After a sophomore season in which Al Golden and company was fired, Kayaa essentially came into a brand new offense with Mark Richt calling the plays. Not only did he learn the nuances of the new offense but he excelled in it, posting career highs in multiple categories. He became the first in program history to produce three straight 3,000 yard passing seasons and became the all-time leader at Miami in passing yards. Even with all of the accomplishments, there were still points in which Kayaa struggled. The month of October was a spooky one for the team but even more so for Kayaa, being the leader of the team. They endured a winless month where three out of the four losses were by less than seven points. Rather than allow the losses to ruin the season, he was able to right the ship and end the season on a five game winning streak. He showed why Mel Kiper had him touted as a first round pick going into the season, leading his team to victories by two touchdowns or better over the last five games. His touchdown to interception ratio was 14 to 1 during that span and Miami knocked off the 16th ranked West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl.
Backups
Malik Rosier
Rosier won the backup quarterback job, and was the only quarterback on the roster other than Kayaa to throw a pass. He saw action in six games in mainly mop up duty and gave fans a look at how a more mobile quarterback would fit in to Richt’s playcalling. Rosier came into Miami as a dual sport athlete, doubling up with baseball but after the dismissal of Golden skipped baseball to focus on football. He heads into spring with the most experience and vying for the starting quarterback position next season.
Jack Allison
Allison redshirted last season as freshmen. Has been in many conversations as possessing the strongest arm on the roster. He will also be in contention as the starting quarterback next fall. Ultimately he needs to match the physical attributes with the mental makeup needed to become a starting quarterback under Richt.
Evan Shirreffs
Shirreffs has been described as an accurate passer whose throws may lack some velocity. He still has yet to throw a pass on the collegiate level but is another quarterback who will be in contention for the starting position next season.
Review
Mark Richt was fortunate to arrive to Miami with a quarterback that had been starting since he was a freshmen and have someone that had the mental fortitude such as Brad Kayaa. He departs the Miami program leaving it in extremely better conditions than upon his arrival. The fact that he has been in two pro-style offenses since he has been there will only help him on the next level. The other quarterbacks on the roster are all unknowns moving forward because they have yet to acquire game experience, with the exception of Rosier. The starting quarterback for next season quite possibly could have been in high school last year, with the option of Kayaa leaving a year early coaches had to recruit. The Canes nabbed two quarterbacks this recruiting class, N’Kosi Perry, is a kid who the staff compared his film to former Florida State great Charlie Ward. He will arrive in the summer while Cade Weldon, whose father was actually coached by Richt at Florida State, has already enrolled and is already participating in spring football.
