A relative unknown entering 2014, University of Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya became Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year on Tuesday afternoon after a historic season.
Kaaya, who earned 22 of the 55 votes by members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, led the ACC in touchdown passes (25) and passing efficiency rating (148.2). He trailed just reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston in yards (2,962).
His 25 touchdown passes match Ken Dorsey and Bernie Kosar for the fourth-most touchdown passes in a single season at Miami. His 2,962 yards are the fourth best by a freshman in ACC history. In eight games, Kaaya threw for at least 200 yards. The 6-foot-4, 218-pounder set Miami's true freshman single-game passing mark twice, finishing with 359 against Nebraska.
Nine months ago, he was graduating from Chaminade College Prep in California. Redshirt senior Ryan Williams was penciled as the starter until tearing his ACL. Redshirt freshman Kevin Olsen got into legal trouble and was eventually dismissed from the team.
Kaaya impressed coaches and teammates with his poise and maturity, well beyond his then-18 years. He won the starting job over graduate transfer Jake Heaps and freshman Malik Rosier. During the season, Kaaya was named ACC Rookie of the Week on Oct. 13 for his performance against the Cincinnati Bearcats. Aside from the overall honor, he was also named ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year.
WALFORD ON THE MEND
Senior tight end Clive Walford will undergo surgery on his right knee on Wednesday, according to a statement released by the athletic department.
"Clive Walford sustained a right knee injury on Saturday during the Pittsburgh game. He will have surgery on Wednesday at the University of Miami Hospital by Dr. Lee Kaplan,"
His availability for this month's bowl game is not yet known. He was injured during the second quarter of Saturday's loss to the Panthers.
Walford, who leads the team with 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns, is a finalist for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation's top tight end. This season, he has become the program's leader in catches, yards and touchdowns for a tight end.
GETTING A HEAD START
Jaquan Johnson, ranked the ninth-best safety in the nation by Scout.com, signed a grant-in-aid agreement with the Hurricanes on Tuesday.
A senior at Miami Killian, the four-star prospect has already been named a three-time All-Dade first team selection by the Miami Herald from 2011-13.
Johnson, who chose Miami over Florida State, Florida, Alabama, LSU and South Carolina, will compete in the US Army All-American Bowl next month. This past summer, he was invited to Nike's The Opening, a premier camp held annually on Nike's Portland, Oregon, campus.
"We're thrilled to add someone of Jaquan's character and work ethic to our football program," head coach Al Golden said in a statement. "He truly understands what it means to be a Miami Hurricane, and he wants to come here to make a difference."
Miami's Class of 2015 has 20 commits and ranks 17th nationally.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
