Kirby Freeman is movin’ on. His playing days at The U were numbered and with three new quarterbacks being added to the roster come February, Freeman has wizened up and is looking to use his last year of eligibility back home in Texas instead of riding the pine at Miami.
I’ve read some mixed feelings regarding losing a senior and the only experienced quarterback on the roster. I say, good riddance. Nothing personal against Freeman. All I’ve ever heard and read is that #7 is a stand up kid. That said, he was never Canes material as a quarterback.
How much leadership could Miami really expect out of an upperclassman whose career has been an all around disappointment? Does anyone really believe that Robert Marve, Jacory Harris, Cannon Smith or Taylor Cook would really benefit from Freeman’s tutledge?
A few weeks ago Freeman spoke about returning even though Randy Shannon let him know that Marve or Harris would most likely be penciled in as the 2008 starter. Freeman said all the right things about competing for the starting gig and doing what he could to help the quarterbacks of the future. In the end, it looks as if the semi-recently engaged Texas native will return home with degree in hand and is rumored to be heading to Baylor, near his hometown of Brownwood.
Freeman’s career numbers at Miami were 92 completions on 197 attempts for 1,311 yards, 12 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. His signature moment, going 3-of-3 for 49 yards and throwing the game winning touchdown at Florida State midway through the season.
One game later, Freeman found himself 1-of-14 with three interceptions in an overtime loss to N.C. State. The polar opposite of his heroics in Tallahassee and inevitably, the end of Freeman’s career at The U.
A hearty thanks to Freeman for his time spent at Miami. While he certainly bottomed out late in the season, the kid is still a Cane. He gave it his all, took a beating at times and went so far as to get a giant-sized “U” tatted on his back in spring 2006 amid rumors of a potential transfer. Freeman definitely bled the orange and green.
That said, it’s all about the fUture from this point forward. There’s no need for a fifth year senior to return when the cupboard will be full, albeit young. It’s time to throw some dirt on the recent era of Miami football.
Bring in the young blood and let these kids start making a name for themselves. The Canes need to start distancing themselves from the Larry Coker era and the program gets one step closer to doing so each time one of those kids moves on.