Manny Diaz likes growth of Miami Hurricanes QBs during spring practice

During his weekly appearance on the Miami Hurricanes flagship station WQAM, head coach Manny Diaz stated he is pleased with the growth of his quarterbacks this spring.

Manny Diaz specifically mentioned that the performances during the Miami Hurricanes second scrimmage were night and day from where they were from the first scrimmage of the spring held on April 6. Diaz cautioned that they have to be judicious with the snaps each QB receives because of inadequate depth.

The offensive line and running backs have had limited depth. The Miami Hurricanes quarterbacks are becoming more comfortable in offensive coordinator Dan Enos’ offense. The QBs decision-making has improved and Diaz mentioned that they are starting to figure out “where to go with the ball.”

Diaz was pleased with the play of all three QBs for the Hurricanes. Privately Diaz and Enos have to be concerned, for now, with the play of Ohio State transfer Tate Martell. Martell was just 4-11 on Saturday. His all-around athleticism and ability to learn the offense are his strengths. Martell has time to work on his accuracy.

N’Kosi Perry and Jarren Williams have put up consistent numbers through the first two scrimmages this spring. They still have room to grow. We will get to see more on Saturday in Orlando during the Miami spring game.

It’s often difficult to judge players based on intrasquad numbers. Some players get more reps with and against the first team offense and defense, the second team, etc. Diaz and Enos have tried to even out the reps of the QBs across the board this spring.

Diaz spoke about the QBs progress on Monday morning on the Joe Rose Show as transcribed by Christy Chirinos of the Sun Sentinel.

"“What was pleasing to us is from where we were a week ago, it was night and day. I think offensively we all made a big stride going forward. I just thought the quarterback play was much more poised…I thought we were starting to figure out where to go with the ball.I think all three of those guys had some throws they’d like back. But you have to consider this — in terms of snaps, we basically played one game, with three guys divvying up the snaps.You’re talking about a super, super small sample size in terms of being able to make any type of impressions. We’re so thin in so many different spots on the roster. That really limits how long we can stay out there, which limits how many at-bats each of the quarterbacks can get.It’s spring and we’re missing a couple guys. But again, there’s just a difference in the competitiveness level. That’s really the big thing that we’ve been kind of harping on all spring, but for sure all Saturday. And again, when I watched them play on Saturday, those guys were giving us a chance to function,"

It’s unlikely for Martell, Perry or Williams to assert themselves as the first-team QB heading into the remainder of the offseason. Perry and Williams are clearly ahead of Martell but neither has significantly differentiated themselves ahead of the other. Enos will continue to work with the three to get them where they need to be.

Diaz has openly spoken about the essential need to upgrade the play at QB since his introductory press conference in January. Miami’s passing game was one of the worst in the country in 2018. If the Hurricanes cannot upgrade their QB play this fall opponents will be able to pack the box and key on the run.

Having at the least, an adequate passing game is essential for the Hurricanes offense in 2019. Enos will be focused on creating balance. With the depth of skill positions players Miami has on offense it’s time for the QB play and offensive line to match that.