Here are some highlights:
“Dawson was not excited about any other quarterback who had entered the portal or was expected to enter the portal this offseason.”
“Miami, meanwhile, spent time trying to gather as much information as it could about Beck once he declared for the NFL Draft in late December, on the chance he ended up in the transfer portal instead. Studying the film, Dawson felt Beck’s 2023 season was elite. This year, Beck didn’t play as well, but the Bulldogs weren’t as good around him, especially without
Brock Bowers or
Ladd McConkeycatching passes. While Bowers and McConkey starred as rookies in the NFL, Georgia’s receivers led all Power 4 programs with 31 drops. The Bulldogs also dealt with injuries on their offensive line, allowing 1.79 sacks per game (58th among FBS programs).”
“Dawson also reached out to Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who had been Beck’s coach at Georgia from 2020 to ’22. Monken had nothing but praise for Beck, calling him an elite talent.”
“South Dakota State’s Mark Gronowski,
who had led the Jackrabbits to two FCS national titles, spoke with Miami. Dawson liked him and was going to fly up to Sioux Falls to see him, but the trip was canceled after he heard Gronowski might need surgery. Gronowski ended up
signing with Iowa, and the
Hawkeyesconfirmed he would have surgery in the coming weeks and would not begin on-field workouts until June.”
“Miami native
Fernando Mendoza was another possibility for the Hurricanes. The former Cal starter had committed to Indiana right before Christmas. But even two weeks later, some Miami folks believed Mendoza would come home if the Hurricanes offered him. The Canes staff liked him, but in their eyes, he didn’t have Beck’s talent.”
The Mendoza part was interesting. I always thought in the back of my mind they could get him even after committing to Indiana. Also the fact that Miami wasn’t as high on Mateer as everyone on the board thought.
www.nytimes.com
