Miami Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz told reporters on Tuesday that they have “No timetable to name QB; will do so when one becomes obvious.” Tate Martell, N’Kosi Perry and Jarren Williams have been sharing reps during the first week of spring practice.
The Miami Hurricanes began their second week of spring practice on Tuesday. Offensive coordinator Dan Enos said on Tuesday that the quarterbacks will earn more reps based on good performance or lose them based if they have mental errors on a few plays in a row. That will be the plan per practice.
Each practice will have a clean slate and the signal callers will receive equal reps in the immediate future. The Miami Hurricanes first scrimmage is April 13 at Traz Powell Stadium in Northwest Miami.
The scrimmage should provide a more accurate assessment of where the QBs are. The controlled practices are much easier to shine than in a scrimmage.
The QBs began Tuesday working on handoff drills. While that might seem simple, it’s the little things that often win games. The Hurricanes had 20 fumbles last season, they lost 12 of those. Miami was 116th nationally in fumbles lost. Perry was responsible for five fumbles, three of which he lost.
The QB rotations have even varied within the same drill. The Miami coaching staff wants to be able to evenly evaluate the three scholarship QBs during spring practice. Incoming Freshman Peyton Matocha will arrive this summer. It gives Enos a chance to evaluate the QBs strengths and weaknesses and see how they handle adversity.
What Canes OC Dan Enos said today about the QB rotations we’re seeing during the early portions of practice. pic.twitter.com/FiQZEgpPWw
— Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) March 26, 2019
The QBs are working hard on all the skills it takes to succeed at the position. During the media viewing portion of practice, reporters observed the Miami QBs working on pitch drills. Fumbles can happen very easily there and on run-pass options where the pitch is essential.
The Hurricanes running game was good in 2018, they need the passing game to catch up. Opponents are likely to key on the passing game in 2019. Enos could incorporate the QB more into the Miami rushing offense than Miami did in 2018. They are going to have to be innovative running the football if opponents are stacking the box.
Martell and Perry are more adept running the football than Williams. Williams is the most accurate passer. Perry had 69 carries for 169 yards and a touchdown last season. If Perry is going to be the quarterback, Miami needs more production from him on the ground. Martell had 22 carries for 128 yards and two TDs in 2018.
As the next two weeks of practice move forward towards the first scrimmage we will get a clearer idea of where the QBs are. Don’t expect a starter to be named by the end of spring practice. Martell, Perry and Williams will be challenging each other into August training camp.