Written By: Nathan Skinner
Canes Rising Contributor
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| Jake Heaps |
Jake Heaps, a former HS All-American has transferred to The U. Heaps, whose previous stops include Kansas, and BYU is a 6'1'', 210 lb., quarterback from Sammamish, Washington. Heaps was rated as the #1 Pro Style QB prospect in his class by numerous recruiting services. He originally signed with BYU, and had a solid, but inconsistent freshman campaign. After struggling through injuries as a sophomore, he decided to transfer to Kansas. Last year, with little talent around him, Heaps had an awful year, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, and completing less than 50% of his passes.
With Kevin Olsen, Brad Kaaya, and Malik Rozier already on the roster, the addition of Heaps adds experience to the position. Even with Ryan Williams, the position was short of meaningful experience. If Heaps is as good as advertised and can grasp the system quickly, it gives the program a proven player, a player that may start ahead of an inexperienced, and somewhat immature Kevin Olsen. The Coastal Division is wide open, Miami has the playmakers on both sides of the ball to be competitive.
The missing piece for Miami is a QB that can find a way to allow the playmakers to do what they do best. Heaps may be that guy. After viewing film of Heaps at BYU, it's obvious that he has plus arm talent, and the ability to fit the ball into tight windows. When he had legit talent around him, he was a serviceable player, he was a guy who had legitimate potential. The talent at Miami is far superior to the talent found at BYU, and Kansas. He doesn't have to beat teams by himself anymore, and he has amazing talent surrounding him. If Heaps, or Olsen can be average, or slightly above average, this Miami team has the talent to compete for an ACC Coastal Division title. What this program needs is a quarterback who can manage the offense, and not make mistakes. An experienced player like Heaps likely understands that.
Speculation aside, this is a great pick up for the 'Canes. Heaps is an upgrade over the physically limited Ryan Williams. It remains to be seen if Heaps can grasp the playbook, or unseat Olsen, but Heaps should be able to contribute mightily to the Miami program this year.
*Photo Credit--http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2010/writers/george_schroeder/12/16/new-mexico-bowl-preview/jake-heaps-p1.jpg
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