Kyle Wright had surgery on his throwing hand yesterday and he’ll be out the duration of the 2006 season. Kirby Freeman, coming off an impressive showing at Maryland, will start against Virginia, Boston College and a potential bowl game.
Injury aside, word out of Coral Gables is that Freeman feels the starting gig should be his regardless of Wright’s health.
”I’m going to start the rest of the season,'” said Freeman. “Whoever leads the last game, as long as they’re successful, they should be the starter going into next year.”
When asked about a potential quarterback controversy next spring when Wright is health, Freeman quipped “I hope so. I hope there will be.”
A lot is expected to happen between now and next spring. First up are 2-3 more games this season (depending on if Miami makes a bowl game.) After that, the top brass must determine the future of this coaching staff.
Should this staff return, Freeman stated he feels next year’s starter should depend on which offense the coaches “think is more successful.” QB coach Todd Berry is a ‘master’ of the spread offense, though Canes fans haven’t seen proof of that the majority of this 5-5 season. With Freeman starting against Maryland and playing the final two regular season games, Berry has and will have more input in the game plan.
Freeman notes his athleticism as a difference maker.
“I can do things that are going to get us on a better page – in better athletic schemes. I feel like I’m a playmaker. When you add another playmaker behind center, it makes a big difference. The offense responded to me well. I’m not good at sitting in the pocket, but I can get good at it.'”
However this plays out, I love the ballsy comments displayed by Freeman here. Sometimes we’re too politically correct in society. There’s coachspeak, but there’s also playerspeak. What does one really get out of hearing the same cliches over and over? Give 110%. Leave it all on the field. Stay the course. Blah, friggin blah.
Every kid on Miami’s roster busts their collective ass in practice day in and day out. Wright has had almost two dozen opportunities to start and Freeman has one under his belt. With a coaching staff who has publicly stated that Freeman has earned this starting job by default, someone has to speak their peace and Freeman did so yesterday. Kudos to Kirby.
This is America. The land of opportunity. You want something? Speak up. No one’s going to hand it to you, so go after it. Make your presence felt. Take that brass ring. Don’t back down.
As a Canes fan, I want the best players on the field at all times. It’s not a popularity contest. I have no vested interest in any particular player starting over another.
Freeman got his starting opportunity by default. He has two games left to prove it on the field and make his case for 2007.
Get it done, #7.
.:Canes305:.