Bustin' Out: Jacory Harris

If you want to trace the steady downfall of the Miami Hurricanes, just take a look at the parade of quarterbacks who have been put in charge since Ken Dorsey graduated in 2003 with a national championship ring and another appearance in the title game.

The U's QB woes came to a head last season with prized recruit Robert Marve's ugly departure from the program. Head coach Randy Shannon yo-yoed between Marve and freshman Jacory Harris all season, creating an uncomfortable power-sharing arrangement that ultimately proved untenable. When Harris took a greater role in Miami's offense late in the year, it didn't exactly produce sparkling results, as the 'Canes dropped their final three games of the season. That included double-digit losses to Georgia Tech and North Carolina State.

In the Emerald Bowl versus California, Harris had a pedestrian stat line: 25-of-41 for 194 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. However, the young signal caller's numbers don't tell the whole story when it comes to his impact in that game. 

Finding themselves down two scores at the end of the first quarter, Shannon and the 'Canes turned their freshman QB loose. Miami abandoned its ground-heavy attack and let Harris try to do some damage both in the pocket and on the move. Harris rallied his team back, only to fall short, 24-17. 

Despite the loss, Harris gave his team the sparked it had lacked with Marve in the mix. Now, he's firmly entrenched as the starter. Also, Shannon has switched offensive coordinators, jettisoning Patrick Nix in favor of former Philadelphia Eagles assistant Mark Whipple. As Dr. Saturday points out, Whipple's pro propensity may not maximize Harris' skill set.

However, Miami is oozing young offensive talent at the offensive skill positions. If Harris can keep up the scrappy Willie Beamon routine, Homerism is betting the 'Canes will make it work.