Diaz names N’Kosi Perry No. 2 Miami QB for UAB. Turnover chain (and depth chart) back
The Miami Hurricanes have their backup quarterback, their first depth chart of 2020 has been released — and the turnover chain is returning.
“Yes, the turnover chain is back,’’ University of Miami coach Manny Diaz said in a Zoom interview on Monday. “We’ll have to wait until Thursday night [to see] if the guys do what they’re supposed to do and get after the ball for the comeback. It’ll be a little bit different as it is every year.
“It’s not a turnover mask, which would have made some sense this year. But we weren’t thinking ahead. We’ll have to get it wiped down [after each use] like we have done with everything else.’’
The Canes open the 2020 season at 8 p.m. Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium against Alabama-Birmingham (UAB), which began its season last Thursday with a 45-35 victory against Central Arkansas. Because of COVID-19, only 13,000 fans will be allowed to attend.
Diaz on Monday named redshirt junior N’Kosi Perry the backup to starter D’Eriq King. Perry has been the backup, and at times the starter, since 2018.
The No. 3 string quarterback is true freshman Tyler Van Dyke, a 6-4, 220-pound consensus four-star prospect out of Suffield Academy in Connecticut.
Perry, listed as 6-4 and 190 pounds, was a consensus four-star prospect out of Ocala Vanguard High when he signed with UM in February 2017. He has had an up-and-down career with Miami, but has stuck with the Canes through it all.
Perry consistent
“N’Kosi has had a really good year,’’ UM coach Manny Diaz said Monday during a Zoom interview session, “in all aspects of his life. Since we came back for the spring semester, even before the whole pandemic hit, just his accountability, everything in our program. He’s been the best since he’s been here — really solid.
“He’s done a really nice job when he’s been quarterbacking. N’Kosi has played in a lot of games and done a lot of good things on the field. He’s just been very consistent. It’s been fun to watch him continue to develop since he’s been here.’’
Last year, Perry and fellow redshirt junior Tate Martell lost the preseason starting competition to former Canes quarterback Jarren Williams. But Williams had an erratic season and Perry was named starter for Virginia (Oct. 11), Georgia Tech (Oct. 19) and Pittsburgh (Oct. 26). Perry also played most of the Virginia Tech game (Oct. 5) after Williams threw three interceptions in seven passes.
UM coaches rarely commented about the backup quarterbacks during fall camp, but did report that Perry led two scoring drives in the final scrimmage Friday night at Hard Rock — a 1-play, 45-yard drive and a 2-play, 50-yard drive.
Van Dyke, who has obviously yet to take a snap in a college game, was rated the No. 2 pro-style quarterback nationally by ESPN and No. 9 pro-style quarterback by the 247Sports composite. Rivals had him as the No. 8 pro-style prep player.
Van Dyke upside
“We think Tyler has got a really, really bright future here,’’ Diaz said. “He impressed us the first four days he was here in the spring and then when we came back in training camp his ability to make some throws has caught the eye of everybody on the football team. He’s got some ability to move around and keep plays alive — and now just a young guy that just needs seasoning and reps.”
UM offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said Monday that Van Dyke not only has a good arm, but the optimum on-field personality for a signal caller.
“Tyler Van Dyke has been really good for a freshman,’’ Lashlee said. “He has a very calm demeanor about himself. He doesn’t seem to get too rattled, doesn’t seem to get too high or too low, which is a good quality for a quarterback. He can really throw the football.
“The thing he obviously lacks is he’s never played a college snap.”
Besides Martell, who transferred from Ohio State before last season, and Van Dyke, also competing for the backup spot was redshirt freshman Peyton Matocha.
Canes starter D’Eriq King, an NCAA record-breaking quarterback who has had a terrific preseason for UM, transferred early this year from Houston and is designated as a fifth-year senior.
Perry’s passing numbers in 2019: 85 of 159 (53.5 percent) for 1,045 yards and eight touchdowns, with three interceptions. He rushed for 44 net yards and two touchdowns.
Perry’s passing numbers in 2018: 97 of 191 (50.8 percent) for a team-high 1,091 yards and 13 touchdowns, with six interceptions. He rushed for 169 yards and one touchdowns.
Perry’s career numbers: 182 of 350 (52 percent) for 2,136 yards and 21 touchdowns, with nine interceptions.
Martell, who is back to quarterback after practicing at receiver for much of 2019, made his first and only UM career pass attempt — a 7-yard slant completion to then-senior K.J. Osborn — in one drive during the Independence Bowl.
More from Monday’s Zoom sessions with Diaz, Lashlee and defensive coordinator Blake Baker:
Neck and neck
▪ Four positions on the newly released depth chart have the word “Or’’ between two players. On offense, the or is between freshmen running backs Donald Chaney Jr. and Jaylan Knighton; and between tight ends Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory. The latter battle is especially intriguing because Jordan was a finalist for the Mackey Award last season, but was hurt the last part of the season with a foot injury and subsequent surgery.
“Will Mallory has had a very good camp,’’ Lashlee said. “He has probably been one of the most consistent guys on the football team. We kind of view those guys as co-starters... They’re both going to be very involved in what we do. We feel very confident that whoever is in the game, we don’t have to hold anything back.’’
The defensive depth chart “Or’’ positions are at safety and striker. Safeties Gurvan Hall and Amari Carter each has “Or’’ before 6-3, 200-pound Bubba Bolden’s name. Bolden, a redshirt junior, is a former Parade All-American who transferred to UM last year from USC. Bolden injured his ankle in early November during the Florida State game and missed the rest of the season after surgery.
“All three of those guys deserve to play equal,’’ Baker said. “I’ve said it before, they can start anywhere in the country. We feel really, really good about all three of those guys.’’
Added Diaz: “They’re all starters and will all play a lot.’’
At striker, a hybrid between safety and linebacker, redshirt sophomore Gilbert Frierson is listed over sophomore Keontra Smith with the “Or’’ between them.
Offensive line starters
▪ Left tackle: 6-5, 310-pound redshirt sophomore John Campbell; left guard: 6-3, 310-pound redshirt sophomore Ousman Traore; center: 6-4, 300-pound redshirt junior Corey Gaynor; right guard: 6-3, 314-pound junior DJ Scaife; right tackle: 6-6, 308-pound redshirt senor Jarrid Williams.
“Left side of the line, John has veen very consistent throughout camp,’’ Diaz said, adding that Zion Nelson, who started last year as a true freshman, can play as a tackle or guard. “Ousman has been super steady at left guard. He just goes about his business and gets the job done. Not a lot of fuss.’’
▪ Junior receiver Mark Pope not only won a starting wideout job, but both return jobs for punts and kicks.
This story was originally published September 7, 2020 at 12:54 PM.
