Carson Beck’s struggles continue to raise concerns for Miami. If you ask head coach Mario Cristobal, he might downplay the situation, but in reality, Beck’s position in the Miami offense doesn’t seem secure. Despite the noticeable flaws in his game footage, Cristobal views the former Georgia quarterback as a good fit for his system. Was the 2024 season doomed? Are the 12 interceptions a sign of deeper issues? Cristobal believes that Beck has become an easy scapegoat for a struggling Georgia offense, which is somewhat accurate. However, the real question is whether Miami’s receiver corps can make a difference. This year’s group of wide receivers is young and inexperienced, which could pose additional challenges for Beck. Even if they manage to equip Beck with the necessary talent, his level of trust has significantly decreased.

We are experiencing a compelling off-season. The purpose of this period is to allow players to unwind for a few days, reflect on their performance, and address their flaws during practice. However, Carson Beck has not been able to check anything off his to-do list. He cannot enjoy a quiet moment over coffee, nor can he fully participate in practices. After much back-and-forth, Beck finally began throwing, but he kept it to a very controlled level. Instead, he focused on studying film, building relationships in the locker room, and inspiring hope within the UM offense. Cristobal was impressed by how a leader was emerging, asserting his authority and influence among the team.

But can Beck really turn out to be a guy worth investing $4.5 million in? Jake Crain can’t trust his gut. The college football analyst keeps the controversial QB at No. 8 (top 10 SEC quarterbacks list) with a lot of ifs and buts in his head. “Guys, I’m going to be honest,” Crain said. “I almost left Carson Beck off this list, but I got him at eight. I got him at eight because I do respect what he was able to do in Georgia. I know how talented he was at Georgia, but I thought last year, you know, he looked a little bit shaky in the pocket.”

Last year, Beck amassed 290 passes for 3,485 yards and 28 touchdowns, and most specifically 12 interceptions. Multiple poor plays, constant turnovers, and repeated injuries led him to step down from a breakout in 2023. The former Bulldogs leader, as a junior, finished 302 passes for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns in 2023. The shift showcased a massive breach of development and untapped potential. But the real threat lies in his healing elbow. “I look at Miami, and I know they are in the ACC, and I got him in the top 10, but this is the one I’m most nervous about coming off the injury as well,” said Crain.

Beck was sacked four times against Alabama and five times in a loss to Ole Miss. But that is the past. With a sheer focus on the present and future, Beck didn’t limit his zeal. But he is not a gift either. He faced a lot of drama in his personal life as well as in his professional life. He had a heart-wrenching breakup with girlfriend Hanna Cavinder, with many people linking it to a potential Miami departure.

“What’s amazing to me, though, is that there are so many people who have pointed all of Carson Beck’s flaws out without acknowledging the inconsistencies of not just his wide receiver corps, which led the country in drops, but also his offensive line,” said Greg McElroy. “I thought his offensive line was so leaky at times last year that it was almost hard for Carson Beck to be comfortable at all.”

As OC Shannon Dawson takes up the chair, the new QB-OC duo is really looking great. All Beck needs to do is give his best and stay cautious about the injury. He can surely gain back his mojo soon. But McElroy dismissed Cristobal’s-Cam Ward clone debate.

Carson Beck needs to fill a huge gap to carry the Cam Ward torch in Miami

Crain believes that while Beck has some talents to showcase, he falls short when compared to what Ward brings to the table. Ward was a fourth-place finisher for the Heisman Trophy and went on to become the first overall draft pick. The Miami quarterback made history as the first zero-star recruit to be selected first overall in the 21st century, getting drafted by the Titans.

Beck is also eligible for the NFL this year. In fact, after Georgia treated him as a problem, he decided to transfer. It’s possible that his injury prevented him from going pro at that time. He spent a year developing his skills at another school before taking the next step. Can he fill Ward’s shoes? In terms of potential, yes. However, in reality, he still has a long way to go.

“Shannon Dawson just helped cultivate a run with Cam Ward that resulted in the No. 1 overall pick. Carson Beck has that kind of potential as well,” McElroy claimed. “He doesn’t have the mobility, doesn’t have the playmaking ability, and is trying to create playoff schedule. But if you need a guy to sit back in the pocket and pick you apart, Carson Beck is that guy,“ Beck gets a lot of work to do before the regular season kicks in. Wait for his page to turn, slowly but surely!