Hurricanes officially name King starting QB

It was expected until Monday.

The Miami Hurricanes officially named D’Eriq King, the standout grad transfer from Houston, the starting quarterback for the season.

“D’Eriq’s hard work both on and off the field has earned him the starting quarterback position,” UM coach Manny Diaz said in a statement. “His leadership qualities have been evident since he arrived but wasn’t official on campus, continuing through mat drills, spring practice, our virtual meetings and summer activities. We’re excited to see him lead this offense and I know his teammates are excited as well.”

When college football spring practices came to a halt in March, Miami deemed its quarterback situation a competition. King was the perceived favorite +among redshirt juniors N’Kosi Perry and Tate Martell, redshirt freshman Peyton Matocha and true freshman early enrollee Tyler Van Dyke.

Of those, only Perry has starting experience, getting the start in nine games over the past two seasons. Last year’s primary starting quarterback, Jarren Williams, transferred to Garden City Community College this offseason after King arrived in Coral Gables.

The decision comes as the Hurricanes

transition to the second session of approved summer activities on Monday. College football fall camps can begin on Aug. 7.

King racked up 78 total touchdowns, 4,295 passing yards and 1,421 rushing yards in 22 starts for the Cougars. He was recently named to the 2020 watch lists for both the Davey O’Brien Award, honoring the nation’s top quarterback, and the Maxwell Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football.