Will UM’s coordinator change and new scheme affect top QB recruit’s plans? Here’s answer.
Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, the only quarterback in UM’s recruiting class, will not ask to be released from his letter of intent with the Hurricanes and remains enthusiastic about joining the program despite the expected change from a pro-style offense to a spread offense, his high school coach said Monday.
Suffield Academy coach Drew Gamere said even though Van Dyke has “respect for” dismissed offensive coordinator Dan Enos and had a strong relationship with him, Van Dyke is still excited about joining the Hurricanes and will enroll, as planned, in January.
“He’s full speed ahead,” Gamere said after speaking with Van Dyke. “He feels great about his decision to [attend UM]. He’s still excited about where things are headed.”
Gamere said Van Dyke spoke to coach Manny Diaz and is pleased with the direction of the program.
Van Dyke signed with UM on Dec. 18. Enos — who previously told Van Dyke he would remain with UM next season — was fired on Friday, a day after Miami’s 14-0 loss to Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl.
Van Dyke was rated by Rivals as the No. 8 pro-style quarterback and 199th-best 2020 prospect, but Gamere said the 6-4 quarterback is capable of playing in a spread offense.
“If you watched us, we evolved into more of a spread look,” Gamere said of the Connecticut school. “We have four, five wide receivers. He certainly has flexibility with whatever system” is implemented.
Van Dyke led Suffield Academy to a 9-0 record and had 21 touchdowns through the air, four more on the ground, six interceptions and a 61.6 completion percentage.
Van Dyke made quite an impression at UM’s Paradise Camp last July, showing considerable zip and accuracy on his passes.
“For all the arm talent and attributes on the field, it’s what he is off the field that has us excited,” Diaz said recently of Van Dyke. “First guy in building, first guy to leave, which we feel is the culture our quarterback room has been needing.”
In an interview on WQAM’s Joe Rose Show on Monday, Diaz said the team would implement an up-tempo spread offense and said “we have to get the quarterback thing solved.”
Van Dyke will give UM five quarterbacks on scholarship, at least for now. Jarren Williams, N’Kosi Perry, Tate Martell and Peyton Matocha are the others.
This story was originally published December 30, 2019 at 3:45 PM.
