The quarterbacks at Miami will have everyone’s attention throughout training camp. Mark Richt is pleased with the four contenders after the first week of camp.
Brad Kaaya left the Miami Hurricanes as the school’s all-time leading passer. His departure created an opportunity for Junior Malik Rosier, Sophomore Evan Sheriffs, and Freshmen N’Kosi Perry and Cade Weldon.
The overwhelming favorites to earn the job are either Rosier or Perry. It’s a battle of experience against higher skills.
Rosier was Kaaya’s backup the last two seasons and has seemingly earned his chance. His only significant playing time came two years ago.
Rosier mopped up in a 58-0 loss to Clemson after Kaaya suffered a concussion. The concussion kept Kaaya out the following week against Duke. Rosier led the Hurricanes to a victory in Durham.
Richt was quoted extensively throughout a Palm Beach Post article by Matt Porter discussing how where the quarterback race was at.
"“I think I’ve got guys who know what they’re doing or catching on fast,” he said. “I see plenty of arm strength, leadership, moxie, whatever you’d want a quarterback to have. They’re obviously making mistakes.“The mistake of throwing it up for grabs, I’ve seen maybe once or twice, out of all the balls we’ve [thrown]…We’ve had some picks, but it hasn’t been a guy throwing a ball into harm’s way. It’s been mostly defenders making good plays or maybe getting hit as you throw, or a guy jumping a route, which happens from time to time.”“I know all four of the guys we’re giving reps to could run this system and run this team,” he said. “That’s the good news.”“I’ve just got to figure out who. Just got to figure out who.”"
Rosier is the only quarterback among the contenders that has played a down in college. In 61 career attempts, Rosier has thrown three interceptions. If he is going to earn the starting quarterback job he is going to clean that up. Rosier also struggled with interceptions a bit during the spring.
Perry is the favorite to be the starter among a lot of the Miami Hurricanes fan base. He still has a steep learning curve in the next four weeks.
Perry’s teammates were high on him during the summer. Ahmmon Richards who will likely be the go to receiver this season said of the potential freshman phenom.
"“(Perry is) throwing a really tight spiral. He’s confident back there…getting more comfortable. … I feel like he’s making reads and progressions more, knowing more of the plays.”"
Miami Defensive players also noticed Perry progressing well with his understanding of the position and his mental toughness. Defensive back Michael Jackson said:
"“He’s a good player. He’s learning the offense. I can tell he wants to learn. He has no problem making mistakes – he makes a mistake, he lets it go and plays the next play”"
The two biggest keys to whoever wins the quarterback job will be taking care of the football and grasping the offense.
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Richt has repeatedly stressed the importance of taking care of the football. With one of the country’s best defenses and a strong running game behind Mark Walton, the quarterback is not going to have to carry the Miami Hurricanes this season. They likely just need a game manager.