Shannon makes it official: It’s a Kirby thing…

Well it looks like last night’s little bird shed some wisdom on the quarterback controversy. The Rumor Mill was correct this time around as Kirby Freeman was named starter over the more experienced Kyle Wright.

The emails have been pouring in this morning. Most fans happy with the decision, some still on board with Wright and others still praying for a miraculous recovery by freshman Robert Marve a month after a scary car wreck which will most likely sideline him for 2007.

Personally, I’m torn. I haven’t seen any action this spring, but I’ve been told by a few sources that Freeman truly did out perform Wright. That the staff called the race much closer than it really was in an effort to keep things under wraps until Marshall week.

I hope that’s the case, because if it was really neck-and-neck, I can’t fathom starting Freeman over Wright. I’d roll the dice with the experienced drop back passer and insert the mobile QB for his legs and ability to throw the deep ball. That said, there’s a reason I’m behind a monitor instead of making seven figures, wearing the headphones on game day.

Randy Shannon stated early on that once a decision was made, there’d be no looking back. I’m curious to see if he still stand by that. Wright has a hyper extended knee, which supposedly didn’t play into the decision – though it did force him to miss the final scrimmage which could’ve played into Freeman winning the starting job.

Of course I play the ‘what if’ game here. What if Freeman falters early on? What if Wright’s knee gets healthy and he is an asset to the offense when in the game? Does Shannon stick with Freeman because he was so adamant in saying once a guy was chosen he’d remain ‘the guy’ for the season? Again, something which the first year head coach will be judged on as the season progresses.

Freeman is Miami’s starter and I’m 1000% behind the kid. I do love that he’s a gamer. I love that he got a “U” tattoo on his back to prove his loyalty to the program after transfer rumors swirled. I think his attitude is in the right place and feel he embraced the competition en route to earning the starting gig.

Had Shannon chosen Wright, I’d give the readers a list of reasons why I was behind #3. Sadly the majority of our fan base doesn’t feel the same.

Message boards were in fire this morning. Ridiculous posts like, “RIP Kyle Wright” or commentary to the effect of “thanks for nothing”, “enjoy driving the bus” or calling him team water boy.

We’re talking about a 22-year old kid who’s spent the past four years leaving it all on the field for this program. Blood. Sweat. Tears. Heart. Soul. You name it.

Wright’s done more for the University of Miami over the past four years than a gross of Internet tough guys will do in a lifetime. Especially if they keep up with the idiotic and ignorant online posts. This is probably the same bunch who booed Wright relentlessly last season and cursed at he and his family during the 17-10 loss to Virginia Tech last year.

Stand by your man, people. Freeman is the guy. We’re all behind him.

In the process, just make sure you don’t step directly on the other man and crush him. In the blink of an eye, twist of an ankle or shaky start by Freeman, Wright could be back behind center before you know it. Let’s attempt to have some class here. Anyone with half a brain realized Wright was only part of the problem these past few years.

If you’re going to hate, feel free to spread some of the non-love to Larry Coker, Dan Werner, Rich Olson and Todd Berry as none of the above did anything to help Wright’s career at The U.

Congrats Kirby. Hang tough, Kyle.

.:Canes305:.

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