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.
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.
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.
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?
