The Hurricanes have made huge strides to ensure that the quarterback position is a strength for the 2019 season. After being named head coach, Manny Diaz sought after then Alabama quarterbacks coach Dan Enos. Last season under former head coach Mark Richt, Miami dealt with a quarterback carousel. Miami returns with more talent at the position than it has had in decades and hopeful one will step up and separate from the others.
The Teacher
Enos will be the quarterback’s coach and offensive coordinator for the new look Hurricanes. The former head coach of Central Michigan has a history of being a “quarterback whisperer” and is more than capable for the position. Most college football fans know Enos for the work he did last season with Tua Tagovailoa. Prior to working at Alabama, he worked at Arkansas and was an instrumental part on the growth of the quarterbacks. Under Enos at Arkansas, Brandon Allen improved immediately, throwing for seven more touchdowns and five fewer interceptions. As a senior, Allen led the nation in quarterback efficiency.
After Allen graduated, his younger brother Austin Allen would become the starter and led the SEC conference in quarterback efficiency. His greatest work might possibly have been last season with Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts at Alabama. Tagovailoa set records while throwing for 43 touchdowns to only eight interceptions. Hurts also improved his completion percentage to 72 percent and the duo helped Alabama lead the nation in team passing efficiency.
This season he will have his work cut out with three different quarterbacks that all have different skill sets but tremendous talent. All have shown flashes during the spring that they’re capable of being a starter next season.
The Students
N’Kosi Perry
The quarterback in the competition with the most experience starting and strongest arm is Perry. Last season he went through his fair share of highs and lows, leading the Hurricanes back in a comeback victory against Florida State. He has also faced adversity after being benched for poor play and maturity issues off the field. However under Enos this spring he’s looked like he may be turning the corner.
Talent has never been the issue with Perry, coming out of high school he was the number seven rated dual-threat quarterback by 247 Sports. This spring he has been very consistent and did not throw an interception in any of the spring scrimmages. He also won most improved quarterback this spring so that may be a telling sign of the progress that has been made.
.@KosiPerry to the newcomer @paytonsho_ for 6️⃣ pic.twitter.com/rDtzWfrL1T
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) April 20, 2019
Jarren Williams
After redshirting last season, the favorite to be the starter this season was Williams. In terms of potential and upside, Williams may have the most in the quarterback room. His accuracy, footwork, and poise in the pocket all make him an excellent candidate to be the starter. The number five rated pro-style quarterback in the 2018 class by 247 Sports seems like it’s more of a matter of when he will take over. He showed some good things this spring but also showed that he may still need more time before starting.
Come see this… pic.twitter.com/hC8XHcw1DE
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) April 12, 2019
Tate Martell
The wild card in the quarterback race is the Ohio State transfer that arrived this spring. Martell made big improvements this spring as he transitioned to a new offense on a new team. Coming from the traditional spread offense to a more pro-style offense has presented its challenges. Even with that Martell made sure his presence was felt in the spring game throwing for two touchdowns. He adds a different element to Miami’s quarterbacks as he is a very talented runner. The former Army All-American was rated as the number two dual threat in the 2016 class by 247 Sports.
.@TheTateMartell ➡️ @KJ_Osborn for six! pic.twitter.com/p3H6tiVPyn
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) April 20, 2019
