The names are very familiar and read like a "Who's Who" of college football QBs.
Jim Kelly
Bernie Kosar
Vinnie Testaverde
Steve Walsh
Craig Erickson
Gino Toretta
Ken Dorsey was the last great QB to play at Miami.
And then, all of a sudden, it was over. Just like that.
It's interesting to see the lack of impact of star ratings for quarterbacks since then.
Let's take a look at Miami's quarterbacks since Dorsey:
2003-2004: Brock Berlin (5 stars) Above average
2005-2007: Kyle Wright (5 stars) Below Average
2004-2007: Kirby Freeman (4 stars) Below average
2007: Robert Marve (4 stars) Average
2008-2011: Jacory Harris (4 stars) Average
2012-2013: Stephen Morris (3 stars) Above average
2014-2016: Brad Kayaa (4 stars) Above average
2017-2018: Malik Rozier (3 stars) Average
2018-2019: N'Kosi Perry (4 stars) Below Average
2019: Jarren Williams (4 stars) Below Average
This doesn't include the quarterbacks who never even played, such as Kevin Olsen (4 stars) or Jack Allison (4 stars).
Meanwhile three star quarterback D'Eriq King is now being rated as an elite level quarterback. Johnny Manziel, Joe Burrows, and Marcus Mariotta were also three star players coming out of high school yet all became transcendent players for their college programs. It really points out how much of a crap shoot recruiting can be, at least at the quarterback position.
So when you think about it, you have to think that Miami's biggest challenge is finding that new star QB that can transcend over the "average" level and excel the team above the next level.
Who is that guy?
Is it the new QB King?
I guess only time will tell.
Perfect blog on a throw back Thursday
Posted by: raizecane | January 30, 2020 at 06:57 AM
Interesting article
Agreed and will add: coaching and scheme matters
How good will king be with for example Jon Richt and a pro style?
Posted by: AeroCane | January 30, 2020 at 07:53 AM
The whiff on Wright and Freeman set our program so far back we’re still feeling it. They weren’t any good and the carousel of bad head coaches and even worse assistant coaches created this vortex where young QB never developed.
Posted by: Schnelly | January 30, 2020 at 08:18 AM
Forgot about Derrick Cruddup, below average.
System qb's that allowed them to excel. Could u see Manzel under center, Mariotta these guys struggled.
Manzel was one of the best college qb's I've seen
It's like the dude had eyes in the back of his head but he also was not a great passer, good but not great
He had escapebility, was his greatest attribute.
In fairness to Wright, the dude had 3 OC'S while he was here and Cokehead didn't play him enough, when he could have as a RS freshman.
Most of today's kids run out of the shotgun and are seldom under center and trying to change that is painstaking, especially if u don't have a good oh line.
Posted by: TheHerb | January 30, 2020 at 08:41 AM
I agree with most of this; Berlin was probably thew best....and had talent around him. Morris and Kayaa were not mobile at all...held the ball too long but again the OL was not that good. I think they all have been about average but to be fair KD11 had way more talent to work with. KD was a good QB...but he was smart, knew his game, had great players he could count on, and he was a leader....who HATED TO LOSE....and he had a go for the throat instinct....and never acted like an idiot. He was committed to UM football. I loved KD11!
Posted by: VA Cane | January 30, 2020 at 12:48 PM
Olsen might have been good...but he left UM, Towson State then faced rape charges at UNC Charlotte which he was acquitted of...he was fortunate i read the trial info. Allison was a cinder block foot....porn star stache QB....Left here now leaving WVU....
we have had so many others not named...point is they all are average and below...i just never thought of any of them as Good meaning could lead and win.....its been a long time.
King is interesting....I am not sure what he played against....but I certainly like his numbers and he seems focused....He has to be better than what we have and sounds like he wants to work at his craft....Lashley and him need to bond and work together...I think its positive for the program....
Posted by: VA Cane | January 30, 2020 at 12:59 PM
Can't believe you're forgetting about the fabulous Spencer Whipple
Posted by: Old Skool | January 30, 2020 at 01:34 PM
I'll call your Spencer Whipple and raise you a Gray Crow.
Posted by: 58 Straight | January 30, 2020 at 01:41 PM
Antrel Rolle,
Nobody wants to play at the U anymore.
That's not true Trell, just that most of the big dogs don't.
Got to win.
Got to get good coaching.
Mike Irvin doesn't understand why we can't get a Qb, and The Herb can't understand that either.
No on campus stadium.
But The biggie to me is The SEC, is what is killing us. Most kids would rather play in that conference. Bigger games better over all talent which means better comp.
This conference is a dam albatross full of nothing but mediocracy and we have slumped to the depths of it. We fit right on in with the rest of these schools and taken on their persona.
Posted by: HerbiIbis | January 30, 2020 at 02:21 PM
Great blog, and great question!
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 30, 2020 at 03:07 PM
I loved KD11!
Posted by: VA Cane | January 30, 2020 at 12:48 PM
me too me too!
Posted by: CGNC | January 30, 2020 at 03:09 PM
BWC - LOL, Mahomes and the Chiefs are going to have to be careful with Richard Sherman back there for the 49ers for sure.
Posted by: CGNC | January 30, 2020 at 03:10 PM
D'Erique King was a three star, but so was Patrick Mahommes and Lamar Jackson. Jimmy Garoppolo was a two star QB.
King will be the best since Dorsey!
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 30, 2020 at 03:10 PM
If Chud had put Berlin in shotgun 90% of the time I feel he would have thrived.
Posted by: solarcane | January 30, 2020 at 04:26 PM
Manny is trying
Ed Reed to be named Chief of Staff for the U
Posted by: DuvalCanes | January 30, 2020 at 04:36 PM
Staff
A legend is coming back to Miami.
Former Cane and NFL great Ed Reed will join the Miami football team as Manny Diaz's Chief of Staff, the job that Alonzo Highsmith was in line for before Diaz opted to go in another direction.
This is quite a new direction.
As Chief of Staff, Reed will serve in an advisory role to Diaz in all aspects of the football program, including strategic planning, quality control, operations, player evaluation and player development. Reed will also provide assistance in team building, student-athlete mentorship and recruiting, as permissible under NCAA rules.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ed back to Coral Gables,” coach Manny Diaz said in a statement. “He is not only one of the most decorated players in Miami football history but also a devoted Cane who cares deeply about this program. All of our players, coaches and staff will be fortunate to tap into his experience, knowledge and passion on a regular basis.”
Reed, out of Destrehan, La., famously returned for his senior season at Miami in 2001 instead of grabbing NFL money. He wanted to help the Hurricanes win a national title, and that mission was accomplished.
Now his job is somewhat the same almost 20 years later: Help get the Hurricanes back to the pinnacle of college football.
Reed's resume is legendary.
An NFL Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame safety, in 12 pro seasons he was an All-Pro six times. He was a two-time unanimous All-American in college.
He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the 24th overall pick in the first round in the 2002 NFL Draft and went on to play 174 career games and amass 643 tackles with 64 interceptions - he returned those for 1,590 yards and seven touchdowns. He added six sacks and 13 fumble recoveries.
At Miami?
He led the team to four consecutive bowl victories culminating with the 2001 national title. He was a leader, a tireless worker and one of the greatest safeties ever to play the game.
Reed remains UM's all-time leader in career interceptions with 21 while playing for Butch Davis and Larry Coker.
He also got some coaching experience in 2016 as an assistant DB coach with the Buffalo Bills.
From his College Football Hall of Fame bio:
For Ed Reed, one moment among many stands out from his time at Miami.
His head coach, Butch Davis, was known to players as a "my way or the highway" kind of guy. Yet when a torrential downpour came one day during Florida State week, and when players decided to turn the practice fields into their own personal slip-and-slide, Davis let loose and joined the Hurricanes in soaking himself, setting the tone for the program Miami was, and the program Miami would soon be.
The Canes beat FSU for their third straight win, and they did not lose again that season. Heck, they did not lose again until three calendar years later, as they rattled off a 34-game winning streak that included a national championship in 2001.
That was Larry Coker's first year as head coach, after serving as the offensive coordinator. Davis' engagement, and the pulse he had of the program, was what led to players asking their administration to keep the hire in-house after Davis left for the Browns in 2001.
"We loved football more than anything," Reed said. "I remember me and Reggie (Wayne) waking up late having to run across campus to make it to our morning workout, because you didn't want to disappoint your teammates. We worked so hard, but we made sure we had fun."
Reed jokes that he never wanted to leave Miami, and his relationship with The U today speaks to that affinity. He works school camps, and he is in regular contact with current Canes players, including safety Jaquan Johnson who say Reed reaches out to him on social media to ask him if he is watching film.
"He really just wants to know how you're doing with life, because he knows the whole atmosphere and how college is, and Miami itself," Johnson said.
Reed led the Hurricanes to four consecutive bowl victories, ending his career with a perfect 12-0 record and the national championship after defeating Nebraska in the 2002 Rose Bowl. Overall, the Hurricanes tallied an impressive 41-8 record during his four years at "The U."
The standout defensive back led the conference in interceptions in 2000 and 2001, posting four consecutive games with a pick in both seasons.
He becomes the seventh Miami player to make the Hall, and 11th with an affiliation with the school. He mentioned literally a dozen players and coaches by name when passing along credit for this honor, and he is convinced that none of his accolades could have come without the lessons he learned being around greatness in Coral Gables every day.
"It helped us to understand if we worked together, there would be more of us with opportunities in life, and that's what it is," Reed said. "It's no different than society. If we work together, we could have more success. We would have more success as a team, as a family, as one people."
Of Reed's 12 seasons in the NFL he played 11 with the Ravens, and he established the Ed Reed Foundation to help youth in underserved communities.
The bottom line?
This is a heck of a hire for the Canes, a guy who brings instant name recognition for recruits and knows what top talent looks like. He will work tirelessly to bring energy back to the program.
Posted by: DuvalCanes | January 30, 2020 at 04:38 PM
Ed Reed in the house, strap up!
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | January 30, 2020 at 04:50 PM
Dam right.
Manny needs to take Butch's motto " My way or hit the dam bricks".
Hope Ed gets through to some of these Prima Madonnas. Need to weed out these spacer takers who don't want to serve the beloved U!
Posted by: HerbIbis | January 30, 2020 at 05:06 PM
It's getting obvious to Manny that he jumped the gun on his The New Miami campaign.
This year feels more full of promise.
The "New" faces on the coaching staff on the team, in the front office are a much more realistic positive change than a bunch of tweets and feel good slogans.
Posted by: solarcane | January 30, 2020 at 05:11 PM
To top this wonderful off season off would be IMO 2 things
Firing Patke
Getting at least 2 key OL from the portal
Posted by: AeroCane | January 30, 2020 at 05:28 PM
Manny is trying
Ed Reed to be named Chief of Staff for the U
Posted by: DuvalCanes | January 30, 2020 at 04:36 PM
Great news!
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 30, 2020 at 05:44 PM
Hiring of Ed Reed as Football Chief of Staff is another move in the Right Direction.
Posted by: Terrance M Sullivan | January 30, 2020 at 05:51 PM
Well Aero as much as I'm wiff ya dog Patke taking a hike, It just ain't happening. Manny has a hard on for that dude.
Don't know what the hold up is on naming a WR coach but he needs to be a ACE recruiter.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | January 30, 2020 at 06:05 PM
King will be the best since Dorsey!
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 30, 2020 at 03:10 PM
Hold up, U better pump the brakes.
Oh, I almost forgot, the 12% bus ain't got no brakes!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 30, 2020 at 06:42 PM
Ed Reed in the house, strap up!
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | January 30, 2020 at 04:50 PM
U got that right!
#StrapUpOrShipOut
Posted by: 86Cane | January 30, 2020 at 06:44 PM
What I would pay to be in thr room when Ed Reed meets 1:1 with every player on the current roster.
Anyone want to take a shot at what will be said?
Posted by: 86Cane | January 30, 2020 at 06:45 PM
Manny continues to slay the offseason. Reed is the icing on the cake.
May not have Zo's administrative background and connections but imo he c can do wonders for the attitude and morale in the locker room and be a very good sounding board for DIaz.
Only one thing left to do...win.
We'll see.
P.S. With regards to Patke, everything I've read is he is a very good young football mind and the players like and respect him. Think once he gets his arms around the ins and outs of recruiting he will be an asset for us.
Posted by: Go Canes!! | January 30, 2020 at 06:55 PM
We don't need no off season wonders and Spring A-A, we need game day marauders. Starting mugging everything in sight.Be real rude dudes on whose ever field we are playing on. Just plain basic bad azzes.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | January 30, 2020 at 07:15 PM
I hope one of the players asks Reed if hes hurt
Posted by: solarcane | January 30, 2020 at 07:56 PM
Anyone want to take a shot at what will be said?
Posted by: 86Cane | January 30, 2020 at 06:45 PM
Sit the Fyk down, and shut the fyk up?
Posted by: solarcane | January 30, 2020 at 07:58 PM
Posted by: solarcane | January 30, 2020 at 07:56 PM
This was great Solar. made me lol!
Posted by: Go Canes!! | January 30, 2020 at 08:02 PM
Go, then effing make him a assistant or quality control control; not effing in charge of Strikers and special teams. I can’t believe you’re sticking up for this laughter of a coach
And yes in 5 years he might be ok; if that’s the case, then manny should of let him coach at FSU or southern Iowa etc and then hire him away
Posted by: AeroCane | January 30, 2020 at 08:08 PM
I wonder if Amari Carter will learn some stuff from Reed?
Also think Rumph will start earning his money with Reed looking over his shoulder.
Posted by: solarcane | January 30, 2020 at 08:08 PM
Oh, I almost forgot, the 12% bus ain't got no brakes!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 30, 2020 at 06:42 PM
💯❗️Press the Accelerator until the wheels come off or the bus crashes!
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 30, 2020 at 09:13 PM
I hope one of the players asks Reed if hes hurt
Posted by: solarcane | January 30, 2020 at 07:56 PM
“I’m hurt dog, don’t ask me if I’m alright! Joaquin said dominate, and we ain’t doing it! I put my heart ❤️ in this SH#@t dog!”
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 30, 2020 at 09:15 PM
I love this quote from UM greats:
“You wouldn’t make it out that locker room if you didn’t do the right thing. When I was there, them lights would go off, you’d hear that, Whoa.’ You’d hear that noise you heard when we played against Florida down there ... but for me, man, I wanted to uphold that legacy. We wanted to be those guys.
Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article239763438.html#storylink=cpy
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 30, 2020 at 09:19 PM
Posted by: AeroCane | January 30, 2020 at 08:08 PM
Baxa was awful, but when a kicker gets the shanks it's very tough to any coach to fix. And this isn't the NFL where you can just cut a guy and bring another one in.
Aside from him, special teams were much improved last season.
Osborn was 3rd in the country in average punt returns:
https://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/individual/15
Headley was 26th did a great job pinning other teams deep:
https://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/individual/17
Finley played great football all season at striker and I can't remember giving up a punt or KO TD this season, but don't hold me to it.
That's a pretty dramatic turnaround from 2018 don't you think?
Posted by: Go Canes!! | January 30, 2020 at 09:25 PM
Hope Easy Ed, does get the hang of recruiting.I'm tired of seeing these get out of town passes being handed out to the top tier croots. Here we are a 6 days from the second signing period and we can't do a thing. No excitement. Stuck like Chuck. Recruiting really needs to pick up. We need help on the Oh line, like yesterday but nope we got to wait until May.
We need another WR and really one maybe 2 CB's but nope got to wait until May. Dunston will be signing so that gives us 6 CB'S but only 4 for Spring ball. This shyt has got to cease. WR and CB'S should never be our Problem. The portal is a quick fix and it can bear some fruit, which it has but we need to be in the developmental busy which we have been piss poor at.
Posted by: HerbieIbis | January 30, 2020 at 09:55 PM
I hope one of the players asks Reed if hes hurt
Posted by: solarcane | January 30, 2020 at 07:56 PM
solar knocks it out
Posted by: alpine | January 30, 2020 at 10:05 PM
women canes somehow get the win over ga tech in OT
. . . one of those games where getting baskets seems more painful than dental work
Posted by: alpine | January 30, 2020 at 10:09 PM
Go,Windy,Big Al
Thanks
Posted by: solarcane | January 30, 2020 at 10:17 PM
Wonder if Manny is gonna try to bring Lamar Thomas in as receiver coach?
Posted by: solarcane | January 30, 2020 at 11:21 PM
NEW BLOG IS UP!
Posted by: 86Cane | January 30, 2020 at 11:23 PM
Ed REED, WOW, maybe he gets s chance to get one of these late commit's to change their mind, maybe two.
Imagine you are recruit from south Florida, a corner back, safety or defensive player and Ed Reed
comes up to you and says "we need you dog we need ya" you never know.
Posted by: Harry Miller | January 31, 2020 at 01:56 AM