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| Kevin Olsen warming up before Miami/Savannah State game (Photo Credit: BlackSportsOnline) |
Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
Redshirt Freshman Quarterback Kevin Olsen has been suspended due to a failed drug test. Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald reports that Olsen will miss the season opener against Louisville. This isn't Olsen's first disciplinary problem. He was suspended last season for a violation of team rules, and he was cited for leaving the scene of an accident in his hometown last summer. Olsen's suspension means that newcomers Brad Kaaya and Malik Rozier will now battle to backup Jake Heaps, a graduate transfer. Ryan Williams, the presumed starter entering the spring, is inactive for the first month of the season, following an ACL tear he suffered during spring practice. Williams is slated to return before mid-season. Kaaya is the favorite to beat out Rozier while Williams is out. Kaaya is the superior passer right now, something that will be tough for Rozier to overcome. When Williams returns, Kaaya will slide into the #3 spot on the depth chart, and Rozier will receive a redshirt. Thanks to Olsen's selfish decisions, Kaaya may not have an opportunity to redshirt this season.
It's safe to say that Kevin Olsen is very unlikely to ever be a contributor at The U, barring a radical change. To be suspended twice in the span of two years illustrates a lack of maturity. It's a well known secret that the testing policies at The U are somewhat lax, and a player who is unable to stay clean long enough to pass the tests has a serious substance abuse problem. Combine this with his awful showing in the spring game, his inability to beat a limited Ryan Williams for the starting role, it's obvious that Olsen isn't anywhere near the player he was expected to be. He's been criticized by Al Golden, and it's been suggested that Olsen has underachieved in the film and weight rooms.
Fortunately, Miami has two talented newcomers in Kaaya and Rosier. Don't be shocked if Olsen ends up transferring at the end of this season, if not sooner. His tenure in Miami is coming to an inglorious end, which is a shame because Olsen is very talented. This young man has all the physical tools, but he lacks the maturity needed to lead a team. Miami Quarterbacks have historically been great leaders, men who aren't disciplinary problems. Olsen looks to be a player who is a liability, and this program cannot have a person like Olsen around. When your leader of the future would rather be in Coconut Grove drinking to excess, than studying film, it's time to look for a new leader. Rozier and Kaaya are young men who are ready to take the reins, it's time to start grooming them.
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