Tyler Van Dyke explains keeping focus amid Miami life

Miami Hurricanes might have the perfect guy at quarterback in skill set and mentality. When recently asked how he handles life in Miami; starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke chose to answer a question about handling the fans and pressures of social media.

“You know, just always being here and working hard, not paying attention to social media. All the fans out there they’re supportive, and I’m happy I’m that we have that,” said Van Dyke. “But you gotta stay off it and not look at the good and not look at the bad and just stay focused, and do we gotta do.”

The reporter may or may not have been asking more about the distractions of Miami such as the beach, nightlife etc but Van Dyke’s answer still gives a window into how he handles all the pressures of being the starting quarterback.

Van Dyke handled the pressure and then some in the Hurricane season opener at home against Bethune-Cookman. The Hurricane sophomore quarterback completed 13 of his 16 pass attempts for 193 yards and two touchdowns. And that was accompanied by starting running back Henry Parrish Jr, tacking on 108 yards rushing on 14 carries with three touchdowns. But where Miami did some serious damage was on the defensive end with three interceptions — one of which was returned for a touchdown.

The Hurricanes have one more test before their huge showdown in week three against the Texas A&M Aggies. Up next for Van Dyke and Miami is a matchup against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles and their star running back, the namesake of a Hurricanes legendary running back, Frank Gore Jr.

Frank Gore Jr. impresses Mario Cristobal ahead of Miami vs. Southern Miss

Gore leads the Golden Eagles’ rushing attack and put on a rushing exhibition against Liberty despite the loss. And in the Hurricanes’ Monday press conference, head coach Mario Cristobal had nothing but praise for the sophomore running back.

“He’s a stud; leads the country in yards per game so far. 180 (178) yards per game. He’s a patient runner, and he’s got these,” said Cristobal, as he gestures to his eyes. “The great ones got right here. They see it, they feel it, they’re patient. They know when to hit it, when to throttle and when they finish, they finish. He’s a contact plus two- or three-yard type of guy. The first guy rarely brings him down. Very versatile. Obviously, they use him in all kinds of stuff, like in the Wildcat. And he’s a good receiver as well. So a really dangerous and really good football player. We all know who he reminds us of.”

Gore Jr. finished Saturday’s game with 32 carries for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He literally and figuratively carried the load for the Golden Eagles offense and even completed one pass for 48 yards.

Cristobal has been outspoken this offseason with his decree to make Hurricane football the college football force it once was. One of the ways he wants to do this is by keeping Miami talent in Miami. And if that’s the case, if Gore Jr. ever decides to jump into the transfer portal, Cristobal must make sure the Hurricanes are his preferred landing place.