Is Jacory Harris The Next Great QB at The University of Miami?

 One of the most prodigious positions in college football over the past 25 years has been the quarterback position at the University of Miami. The list is filled with accomplished and talented college players: Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde, Craig Erickson, Gino Torretta, and Ken Dorsey.

 Sadly, for we Cane fans, the position has not lived up to its rich history since 2003. The Kyle Wright era never materialized, Kirby Freeman was the worst quarterback that I ever seen play at Miami and now Cane fans are left to wonder if things will ever go back to the way it use to be.

 In walks two very talented quarterbacks, Robert Marve and Jacory Harris, vying to be the one the next great UM QB.

On Thursday, August 28^th, Jacory Harris, a true freshman from Miami, will make his collegiate debut vs. Charleston Southern. Harris was named the starter for the opening game after Marve was suspended, for one game, for  an off-field incident that occurred last year.  

  Harris was the starting quarterback for the Miami Northwestern Bulls, the best team in High School football last year and back-to-back Florida 6 A champions. He threw for a state record 49 touchdowns last year (broke Robert Marve’s record, who broke Tim Tebow’s record) and went 30-0 as a starter.

 Many Cane fans see Jacory as a possible clone of Dennis Dixon, the former quarterback for the Oregon Ducks. In fact, Harris was highly pursed by the Ducks and nearly choose them over the Canes; apparently they saw similarities as well.

 However, I think a Dennis Dixon comparison is not a very good one. First, Harris is a pure pocket passer where Dixon was a very dangerous dual threat QB. Second, Harris is a more polished QB at similar points in their career and has better mechanics. I compare Harris to a former Hurricane great, a guy with similar intangibles, football IQ and physical stature: Ken Dorsey.

 The Dorsey comparison, at least for me, was evident while I watched Harris play at MNW. They both are nearly identical physically (tall, skinny and not the strongest of arms), high football IQ, leadership qualities and were both under-appreciated because they were both surrounded by many talented skill players.

Harris, much like Dorsey out of high school, was not one of the more highly sought after signal caller. Scout.com had Harris listed as a 3 star recruit and not even in the top 15 QB in the country. Dorsey was barely a top 12 QB himself by Rivals.com.

Listen to what Harris says in interviews.

When asked by a reporter what the most important thing he has to remember during his first start on Thursday Harris replied, “I’m not out there to make big plays. I’m just out there to give it to the players and let them make things happen. I am just playing my role”; a truly Dorsey like quote if ever I heard one.

 Sport predictions, nevermind an internet one, can be about as accurate as predicting the weather.

 It’s quite possible that Robert Marve comes back from the suspension and starts the rest of the season (Marve will start the second game vs. Florida). It is also possible that Harris has a lackluster career at Miami and eventually transfers out.

 However, that’s not what I’m predicting for Mr. Harris. And here’s a 100 percent guarantee prediction: Harris won’t ever give up the starting job once he gets it. And you can take that to the bank.