Is Jacory Harris the Next Great UM Quarterback?

After a long, hot summer, football is finally here.  Saturday marked the first practice for the University of Miami football team.  The practice was open to season ticket holders so the quickly developing Canes were able to get loose, run some routes, and show off their speed in front of a crowd of about 1,500.  Except for the absurd Heat, everyone was all smiles.  Here are five things to take away from Saturday’s practice.

1. Jacory Harris is the unquestioned leader and is miles ahead of backup QB Taylor Cook.  Cook has a great arm, but seemed a step slower and not as accurate when he had a chance to throw the ball.  If Harris gets hurt, this season will quickly go from a daydream to a nightmare.
2. Jimmy Graham can catch, but can’t block.  During one set of drills that involved the lineman and running backs, Jimmy Graham got flattened out twice trying to block the edge rusher.  He looked great catching the ball, but still has to work on blocking.
3. Dedrick Epps will be ready for FSU.  He got out there, ran routes, caught passes, and looked smooth doing it.  I’ve been around people with reconstructed knees and they still don’t look smooth running around like Epps was doing.  That should send a sigh of relief to all Canes fans.
4. Ray Ray Armstrong isn’t there yet.  Last year Sean Spence came in and was an instant impact player.  I don’t think Ray Ray will come in with the same impact.  He looked a little slow reacting and in DC John Lovett’s ”read and react” defense, that can’t be happening, I think his impact will happen towards the end of the year.
5. The speed is back.  Lamar Miller had one run where he burst through the linebackers (granted nobody was tackling then) and became a blur.  This is just an example of the speed exhibited by the team.  One thing that Miami has been so great at in the past was their team speed was unbelievable, no team would dream of running a stretch play against them.  Well, now it appears the U has that speed back.  If you don’t think Speed Kills, ask Ohio State what playing UF and LSU was like.

This team has plenty of potential.  Some positions have so much talent, it will be hard to decide who redshirts.  One position, definitely solidified will be QB.  Jacory Harris has the keys to UM’s offense and its now his turn to deliver UM to the promised land.  Jacory Harris recently went on Dan LeBatard’s radio show to do an interview and said he wants to win multiple Heisman’s and Championships at the U.  Sounds pretty bold.  What do you think Canes fans?

Check back every Monday for the U Report.

Related posts:

1. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Quarterbacks
2. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Impact Players
3. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Tight Ends
4. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Receivers
5. The U Report: Miami Disrespected