By Adam Abramson
Miami begins its season tonight in a new stadium and with a new quarterback.
That man is freshman Jacory Harris. At this time last year, Harris was gearing up to lead Miami Northwestern High School to a state championship and a national No. 1 ranking. He never lost as Miami Northwestern's QB (30-0...much like Brock Berlin at Evangel Christian Academy in Louisiana), and threw for 49 touchdowns last season.
Harris has the tools. He's 6'4, 185 pounds with great speed. But he's a pass-first quarterback. Miami Northwestern achieved its success with Harris using the spread offense. His read progressions are impressive and could make him far advanced as a freshman quarterback in Coral Gables.
Coach Randy Shannon needs a spark. He raided Miami Northwestern and came away with their talented senior class. While tonight's bout against Charleston Southern won't be much of an indicator, the Canes head to Gainsville next week and will have a better chance to see what they're working with. It doesn't get much easier after that with games against Texas A&M, North Carolina and Florida State.
After struggling with Kirby Freeman and Kyle Wright, it's a new and promising dawn in Miami. And if the Hurricanes can start the season 3-2 with Harris as QB -- things could be looking up.