Manny Diaz has gotten off to a good start as the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes. In just under a month the former defensive coordinator has landed a top coach to lead the offense. Danny Enos left Alabama after one season of coaching Tua Tagovlia, to become the new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
He will have his work cut out for him with a group of young and inexperienced quarterbacks on the roster. N’Kosi Perry returns as the elder of the position after starting seven games in the 2018 season. Former Ohio State quarterback, Tate Martell, has also announced a transfer to Miami.
2019 Outlook
During Diaz’s introduction he stated that everyone on the team will receive a clean slate. Last season, under Mark Richt, the Hurricanes had to suspend all three of their young quarterbacks at some point during the season. Diaz also spoke about the need to have maturity, as well as consistency, from the quarterback position.The timetable for naming a starter will likely be after Martell is enrolled at Miami.
The status of Martell will be a factor in the future of Miami’s quarterbacks going forward. Due to NCAA transfer rules, Martell will likely need an NCAA waiver to be eligible for immediate play in the 2019 season. Another option for Martell is to graduate from Ohio State, which seems unlikely as he’s only been in Ohio State for two years. If he is unable to compete, he’ll sit out the 2019 season. With Urban Meyer going into retirement, Martell may have an angle to leverage the situation.
Returning Players
Although Perry was the only quarterback to play meaningful snaps for the Hurricanes last season, there are two more with potential. Under new leadership, its possible Jarren Williams could be the starter for the first game. The former four-star recruit by 247 Sports has poise in the pocket and good touch on his passes. As an early enrollee last spring, Williams threw for 107 yards and a touchdown in the spring game. He returns this season after redshirting last season as a freshman.
With the retirement of Richt, the most impacted quarterback is likely Cade Weldon. The Tampa native had a strong relationship with Richt. Ironically, Richt also coached his father, Casey Weldon, at Florida State. Both Perry and Weldon were recruited in the 2017 class and were redshirted as freshmen. Weldon is a darkhorse to win the starting position but he is capable. It may also be possible that he announces a transfer as the quarterback room will be crowded next season.
One of the biggest storylines for the upcoming season will be what happens with N’kosi Perry. As a redshirt freshman, his play was erratic at times but he also flashed in big moments. The comeback victory against Florida State helped show what potential lies in Perry. He could very well become another NFL talent under Coach Enos or if he loses the job could potentially transfer in year.
Down 20 in the 3rd quarter ➡️ 21 unanswered points
N'Kosi Perry came up HUGE for @CanesFootball when they needed him most!
(@KosiPerry) #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/uRTLR91145
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) October 6, 2018
Final Thought
Miami will be in a strange predicament sooner or later with this quarterback situation. There are four quarterbacks that will have all redshirted at one point in their career. Depending on who is named the starter, it’s possible Miami could have a mass exodus during training camp. The status of Martell will also be noteworthy for the Hurricanes in the 2020 season also if he is denied an NCAA waiver. However this is just the landscape of college football, Clemson is a perfect example of that during the 2018 championship. Overall the quarterback position is in a much better position with Coach Enos as offensive coordinator. His experience developing young quarterbacks makes the Hurricanes a better team moving forward.
