Tate Martell’s importance to Miami Football success is overstated
Tying the future of the Miami football program to Ohio State transfer quarterback Tate Martell undermines Manny Diaz’s brilliance as a defensive strategist and places too much importance on one position.
Getting Martell to join the Miami football program from Ohio State was a major coup for Diaz and new offensive coordinator Dan Enos. Martell was just one of six transfers that joined the Hurricanes from the transfer portal since Diaz was named head coach on December 30.
The Hurricanes have also added wide receiver K.J. Osborn to give them much-needed experience at wideout, defensive end/linebacker Jaelan Phillips, the nation’s top recruit in 2017, former Virginia Tech star DE Trevon Hill, former UCLA defensive tackle Chigozie Nnoruka to provide needed depth and safety Bubba Bolden.
While QB is the marquee position, all of these players will make an impact on the Miami football team. The Hurricanes also signed Auburn transfer running back Asa Martin and left tackle Tommy Kennedy before former Head Coach Mark Richt resigned. All but Phillips and Martin are expected to play in 2019.
Martell is still waiting to see if he will be granted a waiver to play in 2019. If he isn’t, 2018 part-time starter N’Kosi Perry and rising redshirt Freshman Jarren Williams are expected to battle to be the starter in Orlando on August 24 against Florida. Perry’s classmate Cade Weldon would be a long shot to challenge them.
Rivals’Com Recruiting Director Mike Farrell examined
“FIVE QB COMPETITIONS TO WATCH THIS SPRING.”
Farrell has the Hurricanes listed first.
"“If Tate Martell gets his waiver, and confidence is high in Miami that he will, he’s the guy, but he will be pushed by Jarren Williams and N’Kosi Perry.Why is this so intriguing? Because I’ve been waiting to see Martell make an impact at the college level for a few years now and he can make a huge difference. The Hurricanes’ future, at least for the next few years under Manny Diaz, relies upon Martell coming in and winning this job with ease.”"
Farrell almost seems to contradict himself. He initially states “If Tate Martell gets his waiver, and confidence is high in Miami that he will, he’s the guy, but he will be pushed by Jarren Williams and N’Kosi Perry.”
That makes it seem like Farrell expects an open, fair and even competition. His second paragraph makes it seem as if that’s not the case.
"“The Hurricanes’ future, at least for the next few years under Manny Diaz, relies upon Martell coming in and winning this job with ease.”"
Just to clear up - or not clear up - things: There’s still no decision on Tate Martell, as of this moment.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) March 8, 2019
Could be later today, or next week, or next month. Nobody knows.
How can Martell both get pushed by Williams and Perry and be expected to win the job with ease? Competition is good for everyone and that’s consistent with what Diaz has said for two months. In a conference call on Thursday, Diaz has said we cannot expect Martell to come in and be the savior of the Miami football team.
"“He doesn’t have to come here and put on a cape.”"
The Miami football team cannot pin its hopes in 2019 or beyond strictly on Martell. That’s too much pressure for one player, particularly in college. Clemson won the National Championship with Trevor Lawrence, but he was far from the only reason they claimed the title.
Next. What to expect from new Miami DL coach Todd Stroud. dark
Farrell’s assertion that the Hurricanes future depends on Martell winning the job with ease is overstated. It’s no secret the Hurricanes need vastly improved play at QB. As Diaz said, Martell doesn’t have to come to Miami and put on a cape. Save that for Dwight Howard.