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| Brad Kaaya (Photo Credit: Miami Herald) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
The decision has been made and Brad Kaaya will be the starting quarterback for The U on Labor Day. This was announced Sunday during Al Golden's weekly media availability. Golden stated "He isn't a freshman quarterback, he's the University of Miami quarterback." According to Golden, and offensive coordinator James Coley, Kaaya separated himself in the last week of camp, and pulled away from graduate transfer Jake Heaps. Kevin Olsen looks to be the 3rd guy on the depth chart, while Ryan Williams, the presumed starter entering spring practice continues to recover from his knee injury.
Coming into fall camp, Kaaya was considered to be a dark horse for the starting job, with Olsen and Heaps being the two leaders. Following Olsen's off field issues that resulted in his suspension, Kaaya stepped into the fray, and became a legitimate contender. He has done well on the field, but where he pulled away from people like Olsen, and Malik Rozier is off the field. During camp, it has been said that Heaps' advantage was in the film room, but that advantage slowly disappeared as Kaaya became comfortable with Coley's system, and terminology. Kaaya has spent the entire summer locked in the coaches' office, learning the playbook,and reviewing film. He's not out socializing as much as one would expect a college freshman to, and he's made an impression on everyone, including University president Donna Shalala, who called him a first class student. Kaaya has stated that the reason he's at Miami is to play football, not to socialize "For me, if I was coming to Miami to just go to the city, go out and have fun, I would've stayed back home."
What does this mean for the 'Canes? That remains to be seen, but fans should have sensible expectations. Kaaya's game is based on accuracy, and intelligence. He isn't a physical freak like Jameis Winston, and he isn't a master improvisor like Johnny Manziel. Kaaya's job will be to distribute the ball to the play-makers, and allow them to make plays. That's what the plan will be, and against a weakened Louisville defense, it is a sound strategy. Kaaya has good size, he has a strong arm, but fans shouldn't expect Kaaya to come in and dominate. He's obviously very mature for his age, and is committed to honing his craft, but his development will take time. He has struggled throughout camp commanding the huddle, but that is something that will come with time and experience. There will be highs, but lows should also be expected. If Kaaya falters, or loses confidence, he has an experienced set of backups to help him. Both Ryan Williams and Jake Heaps are players with significant experience, and are older players. Miami has the luxury of going with Kaaya, because of these backups. 'Canes everywhere should be excited, for this ride will be an exciting one.
*The first video is of Kaaya at Miami media day. Note the measured, sensible tone. He's a mature freshman. Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald put this clip up. Thanks, Manny!
*The second video is from Fox Sports LA, and it shows Kaaya in high school. This video is the property of Fox Sports, and is covered under fair use.
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11402524/brad-kaaya-wins-miami-hurricanes-quarterback-job (Quotes from this article was used)
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