Tate Martell created a lot of buzz when he entered the game in the season opener against Florida for the Miami football team. Martell’s presence in the game creates confusion for the opposition.
Tate Martell is a dynamic, multi-talented player that can cause opposing defense problems in a variety of ways. Martell transferred to the Miami football program as a quarterback. When Jarren Williams was named the first-team QB, Martell approached head coach Manny Diaz and offensive coordinator Dan Enos about playing WR.
Martell played 15 snaps in the loss to Florida. Diaz and Enos like the possibilities that Martell presents when he is on the field. Martell is an exceptional runner, will put pressure on the opposing defense as an occasional passer and has reportedly done well learning to run routes.
The concern is what will the other WRs think about Martell passing them on the depth chart. Martell played the fourth-most snaps at WR for Miami against Florida. Diaz after the game that he is not concerned about that. The Hurricanes first-year head coach alluded to the three different positions at WR.
Pro Football Focus through Inside the U observed that Martell played two snaps at QB, five in of the slot, and eight out wide at the more traditional receiver position. Diaz discussed what to look forward to with Diaz in the Miami offense this season. Diaz closed by saying Martell does not have a specific position.
Tate Martell takes a red-zone snap at QB for Miami, hands off to RB DeeJay Dallas #MIAvsUF pic.twitter.com/vkSWWRgrS5
— Kevin Boilard (@KevinBoilard) August 25, 2019
"“He’s a threat…There’s obviously a lot of creativity we can do with him. There’s things that didn’t even get called in the game, so there will be more to that, but he’s a guy that — I think if you’re playing defense — you’ll want to know if he’s on the field…You’ll want to know where he’s aligned because that can make you change your game plan pretty quickly. I don’t know. That’s a good question…the coach said. “We classify him as ‘Tate.’"
Martell was on the field when DeeJay Dallas had a 50-yard touchdown run out of the Wildcat formation to put Miami ahead 20-17 in the fourth quarter. When Dallas and Martell are in the game together there are unlimited opportunities for Enos to call. The Miami offense should continue to evolve with Martell.
Having Dallas and Martell in the red zone could particularly be difficult for opponents. If Enos chooses to do so he could have Dallas, Martell and Cam’Ron Harris in the game at the same time. The pressure is there for any of the three to carry the ball. Martell or even Dallas is a threat to pass.
Martell gives the Miami offense and a dimension they have not had in recent years. He can become the Inspector Gadget of the Miami football team. Think Kordell Stewart or Antwan Randle-El with the Pittsburgh Steelers.