Tyler Van Dyke May Have Been The Most Impressive During Spring Practice

There’s been a lot to take away from this spring practice for the Miami Hurricanes, but in my opinion, it has been the play and growth of quarterback Tyler Van Dyke that has been the most impressive.

The second-year QB from Connecticut knew that there would be added pressure for this spring due to the absence of D’Eriq King, and even though it’s only spring ball, he’s given Canes fans added confidence for what’s to come in the future.

Everything we’ve heard about him has been very positive, and the reviews that the players and coaches are giving him gets me excited about the future. This spring has given Van Dyke more confidence as he’s getting most of the reps with the first-team offense, and that kind of experience is going to help him immensely going forward.

In Miami’s first scrimmage of spring, Van Dyke went 10-15 passing, for 114 yards and 1 touchdown. In the second scrimmage this last Friday, TVD improved, by going 13-for-17, for 190 yards and 3 touchdowns.

What’s impressed me so much about Van Dyke is the way he carries himself. He doesn’t necessarily have the “swag” of other quarterbacks, but he’s a leader, and he leads by example, and that’s the most important thing to me. Ken Dorsey didn’t have swag, just saying. You don't need to be loud as a QB, you don’t need all the glitz and glamor, you just need to be a commander out there, and Van Dyke gives off those vibes.

“I try to get in here later in the day too to try to get extra work in. It’s like a ritual for me” Van Dyke told the media. “I’m still making a few mistakes that I have to go back and watch film on. You’re not going to be perfect. You have to watch film, try to get better and limit those mistakes.”

His growth has definitely impressed head coach Manny Diaz. “People want to follow a leader that does the things the right way and that is what Tyler does. He is competitive and so hard working with his natural personality,” said coach Diaz.

Now I know, this is only spring practice, how much is there really to take away? It’s early in Van Dyke’s journey at UM, but I for one, wasn’t expecting him to make such an impact and impression this early on.

“I think he’s improved a lot more from last year and he should. He should be more comfortable with what we’re doing,” Rhett Lashlee said about Van Dyke.

This season, D’Eriq King will be the starter at quarterback, no questions asked. This is his team, he’s deserved the starting role. However, after this spring, I couldn't be more excited and confident in Van Dyke leading this program into the future.