Proof of Concept at QB

DMoney
DMoney
3 min read
Let me start with the obvious: we aren't replacing Cam Ward. He's on pace to be a Heisman finalist and a first round pick. He's the best QB in the country, and @Memnon's post about him in 2021 will go down as the best post in site history. These players are rare. We should appreciate every snap.

But here's what I can tell you: there are a lot of QBs around the country watching the Canes and thinking, "I can be the next Cam Ward." And if they're not thinking it, their agents and family members are telling them.
Advertisement

There's a reason they feel that way. And it's the same reason Cam Ward came to Miami. At Washington State, Cam wasn't able to impact winning. The team was 7-6 when he got there, and they were 5-7 in his last season. The scoring offense ranked 71st and 53rd during his tenure. They were also average on third down.

It wasn't Cam's fault- he was the same high character, elite passer he is today. But the situation around him stunk. While Wazzu had good receivers, the offense finished 95th in sack percentage and 131st in yards per rush. All the pressure was on him to make plays.

Cam and Miami turned out to be a perfect match. Last year, we were 25th in yards per play and 38th in scoring offense. This year, we're first in both. Last year, we were 109th in giveaways per game. TVD was a big reason why. This year, we're 26th.
Advertisement

Our sack percentage has slipped to 50th- we were 15th last year- but it's still a huge improvement from Wazzu. Cam has enough time to hold on to the ball longer than any QB in the nation. And if he wants to hand it off, we're 11th nationally in yards per carry. These are some of the reasons he's gone from a Day 3 pick to a Day 1 pick.

I can safely report there will be plenty of interest in his spot next year. We look more like the old Oklahoma machine than Lincoln Riley's team does. So which direction should we go?

The easiest option is getting a proven P4 passer like Ward. But what if the right name doesn't jump in? My gut is rolling with upside- grabbing a faded five star like Jayden Daniels or Bo Nix and putting him in a better situation. Some may say to go with a high-floor veteran. We could also go with Emory Williams, who is playing really well in practice.
Advertisement

I know we have plenty of things to worry about with the 2024 Canes. But this is a situation to monitor as we watch QBs from across the country. Who is the right guy to keep this party rolling?

 

Comments (360)

Have people actually watched Mateer play?

He's a fun player and great athlete but he's very much in the mold of John Rhys Plumlee at UCF. He's a limited passer and I don't see them going for that type of QB.
The guy is in his first year as a starter and has the Washington State Cougars 7-1. The same program that Cam Ward was at last year. That's **** impressive.

Yes, he's not Cam Ward when it comes to being a precision passer but he's still thrown for 294+ yards in 4 games so far. He won't be as accurate and he'll definitely struggle but he's an athlete and is a huge rushing threat.

It's not crazy to think he takes another step forward next year as a passer. Even a slight improvement as a passer makes him a potential Heisman type QB because of his rushing ability.
 

I agree, unless we find someone we know will be an instant upgrade and a premier player. People bring up Drones, Mateer, Mendoza, etc. Not one of them is a sure fire, starter-worthy player. They are all gambles similar to last year when we didn't think we were getting Cam and were debating Malik Murphy, Ukelele, Will Rogers, KJ Jefferson, etc. I would not take any of them over letting Emory play and develop.
I like Emory. He is a kid of solid character. But if he starts next year, expect a significant drop off in production. There will be anyway but it will be drastic with him.
 
Advertisement
Lagway or mateer for me

If not either just roll with Emory and load up other premium portal targets and let’s roll
 
Advertisement
I don't disagree. No one wows me so far but it's early. Mateer is somewhat intriguing.
I'm all for taking a portal QB if there is a true high level option, instant upgrade, surefire starter who wants to come here. My issue is some here seem to want to just take any for the sake of taking one. Most of the names being tossed around aren't upgrades and are equivalent to a lot of the transfer QBs from last year who are doing nothing of note this year like Malik Murphy, KJ Jefferson, Will Rogers, etc.

Mateer is somewhat intriguing, but he hasn't shown yet that he is a great passer, so I wouldn't lure him here with a promise as a starter as is done with high level portal transfers. If he wants to come and compete for the spot I'd be good with it.
 
I'm all for taking a portal QB if there is a true high level option, instant upgrade, surefire starter who wants to come here. My issue is some here seem to want to just take any for the sake of taking one. Most of the names being tossed around aren't upgrades and are equivalent to a lot of the transfer QBs from last year who are doing nothing of note this year like Malik Murphy, KJ Jefferson, Will Rogers, etc.

Mateer is somewhat intriguing, but he hasn't shown yet that he is a great passer, so I wouldn't lure him here with a promise as a starter as is done with high level portal transfers. If he wants to come and compete for the spot I'd be good with it.
No inside info....I think we will be surpriesed by some of the players that will look for new teams, just the way college football operates now
 
Advertisement
Come on now. There are more than 2 guys out there that can give Emory a run for his money.
If they are willing to compete for the starting job, not transfer based on being given the job. There's probably a good number of QBs that would be worth taking as a transfer to see if they pan out and earn the spot. But very few likely portal QBs that are worth offering the starting job to get them to transfer.
 
That is unexpected. But would be great for Miami if so. Similar to Rivers coming back.
Why would he leave? He isn’t getting drafted high and he has been inconsistent this year
 
Advertisement
Why people keep bringing up lagway? He stuck with if last year even tho they sucked so why would he leave after 1 year because they suck? I don’t see the kid leaving
 
Why people keep bringing up lagway? He stuck with if last year even tho they sucked so why would he leave after 1 year because they suck? I don’t see the kid leaving


Last year, when Slingblade Billy said "we are going to get better", Lagway believed it.

Now, there is reason to believe that Slingblade will be fired in a month, or 13 months at the most.
 
Come on now. There are more than 2 guys out there that can give Emory a run for his money.
There is but eventually you need to trust your evals and show kids you aren’t just portal shopping every **** year… that goes for all positions
 
Back
Top