N’Kosi Perry is a quarterback unlike any other for the Canes – 247Sports

After recommitting to the Hurricanes in March, Perry has become one of Miami’s top recruits.

Throughout Miami’s football history, many great quarterbacks have strapped on pads for the orange and green. Whether it’s NFL stars such as Jim Kelly and Bernie Kosar, or Heisman trophy winners such as Vinny Testaverde and Gino Torretta, the ‘Canes have always developed pro-style quarterbacks well. Brad Kaaya is the current Miami star, and his pro-style passing abilities have him as a top 10 pick in most early NFL mock drafts. Despite the consistency of all the Miami passing legends, a different type of quarterback may soon be taking the reigns.

His name is N’Kosi Perry, and his abilities to make plays with his feet make him a quarterback unlike any Miami fans are accustomed to watching. Out of Vanguard High School in Ocala, Florida, Perry enters his senior year of high school as ESPN’s number 4 dual-threat quarterback in the nation. According to ESPN, Perry comes in at 6-4 and weighs 178 lbs. Those are similar measurables to 2015 heisman trophy finalist Deshaun Watson, who was 6-3 190 lbs his senior year of high school, and was one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks as well. Not only are the height and weight similar, but Perry’s 4.86 forty yard dash time is even faster than Watson’s, who ran a 4.89 forty yard dash according to ESPN.

Perry totaled 43 touchdowns during his junior season in high school, 11 of which came through the ground. Despite his ability to run the ball; however, Perry has proven he is more than just a running back at the quarterback position. Perry threw for over 2,500 yards in 2015, and racked up 32 touchdown passes as the starter. That incredible amount of passing touchdowns is even higher than Brad Kaaya had his senior year of high school, showing Perry is among the elite through the air as well.

From the beginning of his recruiting process, Miami made it clear Perry was a top priority. For years the ‘Canes have been recruiting him, putting forth a full court press since Al Golden was Miami’s head coach.  The Hurricanes made him so much of a priority, that he committed in September of 2015, and immediately became one of Miami’s top recruits. It was obvious to Miami’s coaching staff that Perry was a difference maker, but once Al Golden was relieved of his duties as head coach, Perry’s status with the ‘Canes became uncertain. Perry decommited in February, and wanted to see what other scholarships would come his way. After Mark Richt and his staff recruited him heavily later on though, Perry recommitted to the program as one of Miami’s top quarterbacks.

Much like Miami Freshman Jack Allison and fellow high school senior Case Weldon, Perry sees an opening at quarterback in Miami’s future. Brad Kaaya is entering his junior season, and is expected by many to enter the 2017 NFL draft due to his high rating. This would set up a highly competitive quarterback battle in the future, and reward one young quarterback with the chance to start. Although it would be nearly impossible to predict what happens between now and then, Perry brings forth a factor other Miami quarterbacks do not. Although all of Miami’s other quarterbacks could dominate with their arm, Perry can do damage with his legs and extend plays. Mark Richt has not been a heavy proponent of the option in the past, but Perry could bring a speed element to Miami’s offense that would wreak havoc on opposing defenses. Perry has consistently shown an ability to extend plays, and is known nationwide as a game-changing dual threat quarterback.

It may be naive to think Miami would change their offense to suit him, but as the quarterback, Perry could be dangerous due to his mobility. Perry still has a year of high school before getting on campus, but he is a player for Miami fans to get excited about. N’Kosi Perry may not be the conventional quarterback Miami has seen in the past, but as the Mark Richt era begins in Coral Gables, Perry may be the first in a new breed of Miami quarterbacks.

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N’Kosi Perry Highlights: