Mario Cristobal makes bold statement on quarterback Tyler Van Dyke

Mario Cristobal is extremely confident in Tyler Van Dyke as the Miami Hurricanes starting quarterback. That confidence was strengthened Saturday when the Hurricanes hosted their annual spring game in Fort Lauderdale.

Van Dyke took a couple of deep shots in the scrimmage, but ultimately played it somewhat safe as he finished an impressive 20-of-32 for 172 yards and a touchdown. That prompted Mario Cristobal to heave even more praise his quarterback’s way in a postgame interview.

“I knew (of Van Dyke’s abiility) upon arrival because I watched it on an iPad on a very long flight,” the coach said. “And then I watched him live. He’s gonna be as good of a player in the country at that position. His leadership, his ability to have command of the offense, the way he can make plays both designed and improvised. He’s a total team player and I’m looking forward to having an offseason and a fall camp with him.”

The reigning ACC Rookie of the Year, Van Dyke helped lead the offense to a 31-27 victory over the defense on Saturday. Third-year sophomore receiver Xavier Restrepo led all pass catchers with six receptions for 61 yards receiving. The Hurricanes did most of their damage on the ground, as Thad Franklin Jr. and Henry Parrish combined for 101 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

Van Dyke took over as the Hurricanes starting quarterback this past season after D’Eriq King suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. He finished with 2,931 yards passing, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions this past season, leading Miami to a 7-5 finish. However, the quarterback loses his top two receivers Charleston Rambo and Mike Harley to the NFL draft. The Hurricanes added former Clemson receiver Frank Ladson in an attempt to replace some of that production.

A Connecticut native, Van Dyke was the No. 20 quarterback in the class of 2020 according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He chose to attend Miami over offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Kentucky and others.

Miami is set to enter its first season under coach Mario Cristobal following a disappointing 7-5 finish this past year. A former Hurricanes offensive lineman who won two national championships with the team in 1989 and 1991, Cristobal understands the importance of rebuilding this program. After claiming five national titles from 1983-2001, the Hurricanes have just one 10-win season in the past 18 years.

Restoring the rich tradition of Hurricanes football won’t be easy, but with Van Dyke as his quarterback, Cristobal believes he has a chance to compete next season. Miami will open up 2022 on Sept. 3 with a game against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.