Entering 2018 Spring practice a large portion of the Miami Hurricanes fan base wanted and expected Redshirt Freshman N’Kosi Perry to pass Malik Rosier at starting quarterback.
Following the first scrimmage of the Spring Rosier is still the prohibitive favorite to remain the starting quarterback. Speaking to reporters following the scrimmage Miami Hurricanes Head Coach Mark Richt said that Rosier remains far ahead of Perry, True Freshmen Jarren Williams and Redshirt Freshman Cade Weldon to be under center against LSU September 2 in Arlington, Texas.
Rosier currently has a far greater grasp of the offense and what to do than his three Freshmen challengers. The Hurricanes rising Senior signal caller still needs work on his efficiency and accuracy.
Both Rosier and Perry struggled with accuracy in the first scrimmage of the Spring on Saturday. Rosier went eight of 17 for 109 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in the first game siumulate conditions this Spring.
His 47 percent completion percentage in the scrimmage was far below the 54 percent he completed last season. It was above the 42.9 percent Rosier completed in the three losses to end the season.
Perry was six of 13 for just 33 yards and an interception on Saturday. Both Perry and Rosier and competed against the first team defense on Saturday.
Williams played against both the second and third team defenses in the first scrimmage of the Spring. He went six of eight for 86 yards with two touchdowns against the second team defense.
The third team defense and offense generally conducted seven on seven drills. Williams was five of eight for 71 yards in that scenario. Richt spoke to reporters after the scrimmage about where Rosier is versus his backups this Spring.
"“Malik is ahead of everybody as far as knowing what to do and how to do it. There’s no question. Even throughout the week, we’ve had eight other practices and it’s very evident if we try to run our total system, he’s more than well-equipped to do it. N’Kosi is much better and he’s getting it. … If you sit there and watch what Malik does and see some of the things that he does that maybe a younger guy wouldn’t have figured out, you can see where having that experience to get us in the right play can make all the difference in winning a game, winning a play… N’Kosi’s come a long way. Cade’s come a long way. Unfortunately, Cade’s got conjunctivitis and he wasn’t able to go. He’s highly contagious right now.”"
Williams has flashed potential this year but still has a lot to learn according to Richt.
"“I’ll say this about Jarren, sometimes I use the term ‘He doesn’t know that he doesn’t know.’ Sometimes he’s just back there feeling things, but when he does throw it at something, he hits it, which is pretty good…He’s learning at a very rapid pace and him being here in the spring is really good for him and good for us.”"
The learning curve for Williams and Perry seems to be getting easier. They still have a lot to learn. It would still be surprising to see either of them as the starter in Arlington, Texas in the season opener against LSU.
Next: Miami Hurricanes quarterbacks struggle in first scrimmage
There is a big difference at quarterback between this season and last. If Rosier struggles in 2018 Richt should feel more confident going to the bench. Last year’s backup Evan Sheriffs had a great grasp of the offense, but not the skill set needed to compete in the ACC. He transferred to Charlotte following the season.