Quarterback Kevin Olsen may not be available for Miami’s season opener at Louisville due to a suspension, but he could still very well remain in the hunt for the starting job once he is welcomed back to the playing field by head coach Al Golden. During a radio interview Monday morning, Golden side-stepped the Olsen situation but did not rule him out of the conversation.
In a question specifically about Kansas transfer quarterback Jake Heaps, Golden mentioned Olsen in his response, perhaps suggesting he is still an option under center moving forward.
“We’re pleased with where [Heaps] is right now,” Golden said, as transcribed by The Palm Beach Post. “And we’re also pleased with the development Kevin had shown in the spring.”
This may be trying to read too much into typical coach speak, but Olsen figured to be a candidate for the starting job in a battle with Heaps, who transferred to Miami for a chance to get more playing time this fall. Heaps has stated his desires to be Miami’s starting quarterback, and that appears to be the most likely scenario now for at least one game. If Heaps can perform well in fall camp, win the starting job for the ACC and season opener at Louisville and then play well against the Cardinals, he could grab a firm grasp on the job even after Olsen returns.
Golden, though, is not getting ahead of himself over the issue.