N’Kosi Perry deserves credit for sticking with Miami football program

The decision by redshirt sophomore quarterback N’Kosi Perry to stick with the Miami football program has paid dividends in the last two weeks.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback N’Kosi Perry could easily have made the decision to transfer after redshirt freshman Jarren Williams was named the first-team QB for the Miami football team in August. Perry’s decision to stay with the Hurricanes program should be lauded in an era many QBs would transfer.

Perry has been a catalyst for the Miami football team in the last two weeks. Perry relieved Williams after he threw three interceptions and appeared to be struggling with an injured shoulder last week against Virginia Tech. In just over three quarters, Perry nearly rallied Miami from a 28-0 deficit against the Hokies.

Perry threw for a career-high 422 yards and tied a career-high with four touchdown passes as the Hurricanes nearly climbed out of the 28-0 deficit against Virginia Tech before losing late 42-35.  The Miami offense gained only 40 yards after their first drive of the game through the end of the third quarter against Virginia.

Perry led the Hurricanes on two scoring drives in the fourth quarter that that was critical in Miami’s 17-9 victory over Virginia. Perry did not panic, stayed the course with the offensive game plan and Miami did just enough to win. Miami head coach Manny Diaz spoke about Perry after the game.

"“The guy worked very hard from January to August and he finds out he is not the starting quarterback. It is so easy in this day and age to throw your hands up in the air and pack your bags. He not only stayed, but decided to persevere. Last week we saw the new N’Kosi Perry and how much he had improved.There was some strange karma deal that he got to start against Virginia and he iced the game with his touchdown. It just shows that if you continue to work hard, it comes. For him to battle like that is a great example for our football team. All you had to do was watch him on the sideline when he wasn’t playing and watch his demeanor.He has done nothing but improve. Even when he was not the starter. Who can predict what will happen during a football season? If a quarterback gets an injury, then it is all of a sudden here you go.”"

The expectation for next Saturday against Georgia Tech is that Williams will start against the Yellow Jackets if he is healthy. Williams and Perry have reportedly been great teammates and supported each other. Williams gives Miami a more accurate and efficient passer. Perry moves better and has a bigger arm.

The Miami football program benefitted from having a backup quarterback who had six starts under his belt. Perry started an inconsistent half dozen games in 2018. Now Miami has two capable signal-callers depending on what offensive coordinator Dan Enos needs under center. Miami just needs to decide what that is.