Miami Hurricanes 2021 Spring Position Preview: Quarterbacks

Tyler Van Dyke was the center piece signal caller for the 2020 class. A 6’4” 220 pound beast from Glastonbury, Connecticut, Van Dyke has all the tools to be the heir apparent. The former ninth ranked pro-style quarterback per the 247 composite, TVD saw action in two games during his inaugural season in 2020 for the Hurricanes.

A lopsided affair vs. FSU and inversely vs. UNC, the limited season engagement ensured that Van Dyke was able to retain his red-shirt status. N’Kosi Perry was last year’s number two behind D’Eriq King. This raised a question. “If Van Dyke was so heralded, how come he couldn’t beat out #5 on the depth chart?”

Head coach Manny Diaz has shown a repeated propensity to favor the more senior guy. While this tactic can lead to more steadfast stability at the position, it also comes with a grain of salt. Gregory Rosseau was always better than Scott Patchan. (The upcoming NFL draft will prove this) In the same breath you can see a similar situation unfold with Van Dyke who looks to open up spring as QB1.

Click the video below to watch high school highlights of Van Dyke who amassed over 4600 passing yards and 39 passing touchdowns over his final two varsity seasons.

Jake Garcia is the one time former five star prospect who happens to be the apple of fellow SOTU contributor Marshall Thomas’s eye. The former California high school product made waves when he moved across the continent to play ball for powerhouse Grayson high school in Georgia.

Garcia is a case of 6’2 ¹⁄_2” 195 pounds sturdy framed and arm refined brilliance. Once the USC trojans also secured the commitment from Miller Moss, it was a matter of time before Garcia sought options elsewhere. The Hurricanes were willing and waiting with open arms and Garcia ultimately inked with Miami.

Garcia will be available this spring as the freshman was an early enrollee for the Hurricanes. The challenge for any incoming freshman will be daunting. Head coach Diaz, who is now the acting defensive coordinator, is notorious for bringing pressure and creating confusion on opposing quarterbacks.

Peyton Matocha is from St. Thomas. The other one in Houston, Texas. The 2019 enrollee did not see much action in his first two season with the Miami Hurricanes. He is attributed with two completions on four passing attempts vs. the Duke Blue Devils on December 5th of last year.

Matocha was a former three-star prospect by both ESPN and 247. The 6’4” slender slinger does have the penchant to make plays outside the pocket and threw for his high school record of 3692 passing yards and 35 touchdowns.

The Houston native will have a golden opportunity to prove to coaches that he can be a viable option moving forward this spring. If he cannot and a situation arises where Garcia usurps him on the depth chart, Matocha could be a transfer candidate or stay on with the Hurricanes in a backup capacity.

Ryan Rizk is currently classified as as a Redshirt Sophomore and has been a member of the Hurricanes practice squad the past three seasons. The Boynton Beach, Florida native will be in the spring 4 deep due to the departure of N’Kosi Perry (After he graduates) and the Injury to D’Eriq King.

D’Eriq King will be unavailable this spring due to injury and is expected to be available sometime in fall camp. We, the contributors at SOTU, wish his a speedy and healthy recovery. Upon return, King will be expected to be the QB1 for the Miami Hurricanes.