The wait is over. The starting quarterback for the Miami Hurricanes Sept. 2 season opener against LSU, drum roll please, Malik Rosier.
“He’s the starter. Malik is the starter,’’ Richt said at the Atlantic Coach Conference Football Kickoff. “And if something changes I’ll let you know…”
Richt feels the fifth-year senior has done enough to secure the job. Rosier has an 11-3 record as the Hurricanes starting quarterback. Miami ended last season on a three-game losing streak.
Rosier is the starter, but is he the best quarterback on the depth chart? Jarren Williams is impressive.
N’Kosi Perry, Cade Weldon, and Williams were all names juggled around to bench Rosier for his starting roll possibly. Richt shared you can count them out for now.
Rosier threw for 3,120 yards and 26 touchdowns last season and ran for another 468 yards and five scores. The numbers do not lie; he had 10 of his 14 interceptions over the previous six weeks. The whispers began.
Experience over reputation may have played a roll in the decision. Redshirt freshman Perry, redshirt freshman Weldon and true freshman Williams have never played in a college game.
“Malik is without a doubt the No. 1 quarterback going into fall camp,” Richt added. “Right this minute, I’m not sure anybody is going to be able to unseat him, at least going into Game One. I will have an open mind, and we’ll give reps, and we’ll compete.”
Richt said he’s teaching Perry, Weldon, and Williams “what it means to be the leader of the team.’’ Leading to wins is what will quiet the doubters.
Winning, undefeated at 10-0 and the six-pound 36-inch “Turnover Chain” had the entire country talking about “The U.” The confetti stopped after UM lost to Pittsburgh in the regular-season finale and then to Clemson in the ACC title game and Wisconsin in the Capital One Orange Bowl.
“We’re teaching them what it means to be the quarterback,” Richt said of the three behind Rosier. “The quarterback has a different standard of how you behave on the field, off the field, how you prepare. It’s different. And these guys got to learn that. They’re making strides, but I haven’t seen it to where I’m like this guy is ready to take the reins. But we’ll see.
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