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Let me start by saying that Miami Hurricanes coach Mark Richt is in no hurry to make an official announcement regarding the starting QB. The Canes, who are facing North Carolina on a short week this Thursday, don’t need to give their opposition any hint as to who’s going to start, and force the Tar Heels to prepare for both QBs equally.
However everything from practice in Coral Gables seems to be painting a pretty clear picture that redshirt Freshman N’Kosi Perry will get the nod on Thursday night.
Apart from anecdotal things being said on social media, every report from practice today stated that Perry took all the 1st team snaps during the media viewing portion of today’s practice.
Through five reps working on handoffs, your QB order at Miami practice this morning:
— Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) September 24, 2018
N’Kosi Perry, Malik Rosier, Cade Weldon, Jarren Williams
Mark Richt won't officially say it, but it does appear N'Kosi Perry is set to make his first career start for the Hurricanes this week. https://t.co/oriq3AD7B0 pic.twitter.com/LwFmthRD9K
— InsideTheU.com (@247Canes) September 24, 2018
.@CanesFootball QB N’Kosi Perry taking first-team reps at practice during media viewing —followed by Malik and Cade and Jarren. @HeraldSports pic.twitter.com/SpNU1TuM1B
— Susan Miller Degnan (@smillerdegnan) September 24, 2018
So, as expected N’Kosi Perry is taking first team snaps this morning in media viewing portion of practice. Ahmmon Richards remains on stationary bike. Jaquan Johnson off to the side working with a trainer. #UM
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) September 24, 2018
Redshirt freshman N’Kosi Perry is taking reps with the first team at @CanesFootball practice during media availability.
— Josh White (@_JoshRWhite) September 24, 2018
I know it’s just practice, and I know it’s just a 15 minute viewing portion for the media, but between the game against FIU, today’s practice, and the buzz around the program, all signs are pointing to the talented 6’4” Ocala-native Perry getting the nod at QB for Miami.
And that’s a good thing.
I’ve made it no secret that I think Perry is the most physically talented QB on the roster, and the performance against FIU only strengthened my stance on that point. But, more than that, the offense just looked DIFFERENT with Perry at the controls, and I think that’s a good thing.
Miami isn’t the only team that looks to be making a move by replacing a marginally talented incumbent starter. Clemson announced today that true freshman superstar Trevor Lawrence is the new starting QB, replacing Kelly Bryant for the Tigers.
The Trevor Lawrence Era officially begins as Clemson names in the starting QB against Syracuse. https://t.co/GU9hs853F2
— From the Fumble Seat (@STSouthland) September 24, 2018
And Notre Dame has already switched from Brandon Wimbush to Ian Book, and Alabama switched from Jalen Hurts to Tua Tagovailoa before the opener. And, according to ESPN’s David Hale, the numbers are strong for the young guys I’ve listed, Perry included:
FWIW, Ian Book, Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Fields, Trevor Lawrence & N’Kosi Perry — QBs getting playing time for 10-win teams — stat lines are pretty good: 70.8% completions, 2,430 pass yards, 10.43 yards/att, 32 pass TD, 4 INT, 307 rush yards, 6 rush TDs, 92.0 total QBR.
— A David Hale joint (@DavidHaleESPN) September 24, 2018
So yeah, that’s pretty decent.
Again, there has not been an official announcement made as yet, but everything available strongly suggests that come Thursday Night at Hard Rock Stadium, N’Kosi Perry will be Miami’s starting QB.
About damn time.