How are Miami Hurricanes QBs Progressing in Spring Practice

Malik Rosier led the Miami Hurricanes to their most successful season in 14 years. Miami finished 10-3 in the 2017 season, They won their first ACC Coastal Division title, had their first berth in the ACC Championship and played in the Orange Bowl.

In spite of that, there is no guarantee that he will be the Miami Hurricanes starting quarterback against LSU September 2. The Tigers and Hurricanes will play in the 2018 Advocare Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Primetime showdown on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend during College Football’s kickoff weekend.

Rosier will face a stiff challenge from three Freshmen to hold on to his starting quarterback spot. Redshirt Freshman N’Kosi Perry and true Freshman Jarren Williams are the most likely to unseat Rosier.

Redshirt Freshman Cade Weldon has played well this Spring but is a longshot to become the starting quarterback. Weldon’s strength is reportedly his toughness.

Perry has been playing more relaxed and confident this spring than he did running the scout team last season. He still needs work according to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson. Jackson was told that Perry’s arm is excellent but that his deep ball is not as good as Rosier’s at this point.

The coaching staff wants Rosier to work on his deep balls though. Rosier missed a wide-open Jeff Thomas early in the ACC Championship game.

Jackson also reported that Perry has a tendency to turn his back to his own offensive backfield when he “spins out of trouble”.  The Palm Beach Post’s Matt Porter reported that Perry’s arm strength and mobility are exceptional and his strengths.

"“Perry has the strongest arm on the roster, with the ability to flick passes far downfield. The Ocala native has a nice touch, and changes speeds better than anyone. He is not thick of frame (listed at 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds), but moves quickly in the pocket.”"

Porter also reported that the media is only allowed to watch 20 minutes of each practice and that any game simulation drills are private except for the spring game on April 14.

The man who would be snapping Perry the ball, Miami Hurricanes center Tyler Gauthier spoke about Perry’s growth and how is he is progressing this spring.

"“It seems like some first-year quarterbacks, they’re not vocal because they don’t want to say the wrong thing,…Now, you can tell he’s more assertive. He’s going to walk in there and he wants eyes on him in the huddle. He’s going to make a play call and we’re going to run it and that’s the way it’s going to be. It’s definitely good to see him step up as a leader like that.”"

One of the things that Head Coach Mark Richt lamented in his first season was that the Miami’ Hurricanes All-time leading passer Brad Kaaya was a more traditional pocket passer. Richt was not able to call run-pass options very often. He was impressed with all four Miami quarterbacks’ ability to make plays with their feet.

"“Every one of these guys is athletic enough to make plays with their feet, and run zone-read, QB draws, things of that nature,…They’re all capable.”"

Rosier is looking forward to the season ahead. He told the Palm Beach post earlier in March that he believes he is in better shape after losing 10-12 pounds in the offseason. He said that he feels:

"“Faster. … I feel healthier. I feel more agile. I feel more explosive.”"

Both Jackson and Porter have been observing the Miami Hurricanes quarterback play closely this spring. Jackson some of his observations in the same article that Gauthier praised Perry.

"“Rosier has a solid camp. He made one of the best plays in camp, avoiding a blitz, ducking out of traffic and running for a touchdown of close to 40 yards. Jarren Williams has impressed everyone with his arm strength but must learn to vary the speed on his throws."

"Mark Richt previously said he doesn’t expect Williams to challenge for the starting job this spring but that he might in August. One UM official said Cade Weldon clearly has improved. He’s big, strong, can throw on the run and has a good grasp of the offense.”"

Williams is known for his passing ability. Miami Football’s official Twitter account called Williams a “Big Time Gunslinger” when he signed in December.

He is currently fourth on the depth chart behind Rosier, Perry and Weldon. Williams has taken some snaps with the third-team offense. This past Monday during his weekly appearance on the Joe Rose Morning Show on WQAM Richt said Williams has been a quick learner.

"“He’s a quick learner and he’s got some really good arm talent, I’ll tell you that…I’ve got all these guys getting good, quality reps.”"

Next: Mark Richt creating lasting legacy with Miami Hurricanes

Williams is built a lot more solidly than Perry. That has to be a concern in an offense that likes to use the zone read. Williams is 6’2 206. He’s also more polished as a passer than Perry was at this stage last year.