Marsh’s Mailbag: First Scrimmage, What Impresses Most About Jarren Williams, Surprise Defensive Lineman?

What stood out to you most about the scrimmage on Sunday?

I love how people are asking me this question like I was there at the scrimmage. Like everyone, I waited patiently until quotes from Manny Diaz were released. Based off his quotes, the biggest thing that stood out to me was that Miami’s quarterbacks combined to complete 71% of their passes, it almost brought tears to my eyes. Gurvan Hall also jumped out with two interceptions, our secondary really needs him to develop quickly.

What impresses you most about Jarren Williams?

I think Jarren Williams is the most polished and traditional quarterback between him, N’Kosi Perry and Tate Martell. He doesn’t have the scrambling ability of the other two, but he throws a beautiful pass and has great touch. Williams, according to Dan Enos, has improved a lot over this summer, especially his footwork. I’m a big fan of Jarren when it comes to drop back passing and think he can be the guy for Miami.

Who’s one player that nobody is talking about that’s going to blow up in 2019?

In my opinion, I believe it’s Pat Bethel. He had a great spring practice, a terrific summer with his workouts and is now continuing to play well so far in the fall. I especially think he’s going to be even more dominant now that Nesta Jade Silvera is going to miss 6-to-8 weeks.

Which defensive lineman is going to surprise everyone?

I’m going to say it’s between Bethel and also Scott Patchan. Patchan is a fifth year senior who’s gone through injuries but is now ready for a breakout season. Though, he’s been in the middle of Jonathan Garvin blowing up, Trevon Hill coming in, and Gregory Rousseau on the come-up, and people sometimes forget about Scott. However, he’s incredibly talented with great pass rushing skills, plus he got jacked over the summer. Watch for him to blow up this season.

Can Mike Harley finally take that next step this year?

I think we’ve all been talking about Mike Harley for a while now, and for me, it’s going to have be this season for the junior receiver. He’s behind guys like Jeff Thomas and K.J. Osborn, and plus he has a plethora of sophomore and freshman receivers behind him. Harley has the talent and the speed, he just needs to show that he can be consistent.

Thoughts on the two tight end formation Miami plans on using?

Oh man, I think that’s a thing of pure beauty. We have two of the top-10 tight ends in the nation in Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory, so why not combine their talents and put them on the field at the same time? Jordan has proven that he can stretch the defense vertically and downfield, and Mallory has shown he can run shorter routes but be elusive with the football. “He loves the tight ends. Simple. He loves the tight ends. He loves to throw us the ball,” Jordan told reporters after practice last week.

What are your thoughts on the Hurricanes using a two quarterback system?

I mean, I've been critical of Miami using a two quarterback system just because I think it’s kind of stupid and a waste of time. However, if they can use it kind of like the Gators use it with Chris Leak and Tim Tebow did during 2006, why not? I really don't care what kind of offense is run, I just want points on the board. So if Perry and Williams took snaps for most of the drive, then Martell ran the offense in the redone, I guess that could work.

When is Bubba Bolden coming?

According to Bubba Bolden’s Instagram, the USC transfer will be here this week. Boom!

Who are your two starting safeties come August 24th?

Right now I have Gurvan Hall, and then the other spot I think is somewhat in the air. I believe Amari Carter or Derrick Smith will be starting. Carter was the obvious choice and is a fan favorite, super athletic and will knock people out. Smith is coming out of nowhere and is really making a push to be the other starter. Either way, they’ll both have plenty of opportunities to make plays against Florida.

Have you predictions changed for the 2019 season?

I’m a very indecisive person, and that’s the case at the moment for my record projections for Miami. At this very moment, I'm saying the Canes for 10-2 in the regular season. Book it.