Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tate Martell will be as good as Ken Dorsey or at least as good as Kyle Wright according to the man dubbed the dean of recruiting Tom Lemming.
In an interview with Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Tom Lemming, the dean of recruiting analysts stated he thinks that Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tate Martell will be as good as Ken Dorsey or at least as good as Kyle Wright. Martell’s triple-threat ability to read defenses and throw and run adeptly make him dangerous.
Dorsey is the second all-time passer in Miami history. Dorsey’s record stood until it was broken by Brad Kaaya in 2016. Dorsey still holds the program’s all-time record in passing touchdowns in Miami history with 86. That’s 16 ahead of Jacory Harris who is second all-time. Wright is 10th in Miami history in TD passes and yards.
Tate Martell, N’Kosi Perry and Jarren Williams are all even heading into training camp that commences July 25 or 26. Perry won the best QB award during the Hurricanes spring practice. All three Miami QBs have a chance to earn the starting position to open the season against Florida August 24 in Orlando.
Martell’s work ethic has changed the culture of the room. He was known for watching film when he was in high school. It has caused Perry and Williams to have to increase their study habits watching film and learning the offense. At times in 2018 former head coach Mark Richt relied on center Tyler Gauthier to call audibles.
Lemming has been a recruiting analyst for 40 years. Jackson referred to him as the dean of recruiting. Lemming spent time with Martell and his high school coach in Las Vegas when he was a prep star at Bishop Gorman. Lemming discussed the jewel of the Miami transfer portal with Jackson.
"“He’s got instincts, has terrific skills as a runner and can thread the needle [in tight passing windows], He’s a big-time quarterback. He can pick things apart but can tuck and run for yards.He’s a defensive nightmare because you don’t know if he will throw or run with it. He can do both exceptionally well. Without a doubt he should be as good as Dorsey or [at least] Kyle Wright, and I saw all three. He’s a game-breaking-type quarterback.”"
Learning the offense, proving that they are adept at reading game film and showing some familiarity with the Florida defense will impress new offensive coordinator Dan Enos and the Miami offensive coaching staff. Enos was as equally impressed with Martell as Lemming. was
"“His ability to make reads and go through progressions in the pocket. Had a very good friend on that [Buckeyes] staff and spoke to him at great length about Tate before he came here. He spoke volumes about Tate’s preparation, mind-set, on and off the field, things he did in his leadership ability.”"
Martell’s intangibles at the QB position are essential. Perry and Williams have to work to get there. Being a leader on and off the field. reading defenses and knowing the offense better than anyone else should be expected of any QB. Miami needs that from the QB position in 2019.
The Hurricanes cannot go through another season switching back and forth between signal callers because of ineffective play. Whoever steps up and earns the starting QB job for Miami is going to have to prove they are capable of leading the entire offense on and off the field.