How can Hurricanes be affected by Carson Beck? His high school coach clarifies

The Miami Hurricanes football program is currently in a state of transition, with head coach Mario Cristobal striving to restore the program to its former glory. One of the most significant ways Cristobal and his staff have attempted to rejuvenate the Hurricanes’ roster is by monitoring and recruiting top talent, both from high school and the transfer portal. But sometimes, it’s the talented players who slip through the cracks, creating what could be considered one of college football’s “what could have been” scenarios. In this context, Carson Beck, a former Miami-area high school quarterback who chose to attend the University of Georgia, has raised some eyebrows in the college football world.

In recent months, the conversation around Carson Beck has become more intense, especially given his successful start to the 2025 season as Georgia’s starting quarterback. The University of Miami, located just a few hours south of Beck’s high school alma mater in Jacksonville, Florida, has undoubtedly taken notice. Although Beck is no longer a Hurricane, his rise in college football is certainly something that could have had a significant impact on Miami’s program had he chosen to stay closer to home.

To gain deeper insight into Beck’s development, impact, and potential connection to Miami, we sat down with his high school coach, who provided exclusive comments on Beck’s growth as a player, his decision to choose Georgia, and how his former quarterback’s success at Georgia could affect the Miami Hurricanes moving forward.

Carson Beck’s High School Development: A Star in the Making

Beck’s rise to prominence as one of the top quarterbacks in the country didn’t happen overnight. According to his high school coach, Carson Beck was a highly motivated and hard-working player from the very beginning. A standout at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida, Beck’s arm strength, poise under pressure, and football intelligence were immediately noticeable. His high school coach reflected on how Beck demonstrated elite quarterbacking skills at a young age, but also how he worked tirelessly to improve his game year in and year out.

“Carson’s growth over the years was impressive,” his high school coach recalled. “He came in as a talented kid with all the physical tools—good size, a powerful arm, and excellent accuracy. But what really separated him was his mentality. He was dedicated to getting better, and he had an unmatched work ethic. The things he learned and the decisions he made early on set him up for success in college football.”

Beck’s high school coach emphasized that one of the biggest factors in Beck’s success was his ability to adapt to different offensive systems. Mandarin High School, where Beck played, ran a relatively pro-style offense that asked quarterbacks to make decisions in the pocket while showcasing both arm strength and touch on deep throws. Beck’s ability to read defenses and make quick, decisive throws helped him stand out, making him one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in the country.

His coach went on to say that Beck’s ability to thrive under pressure was another hallmark of his high school career. “He played in some big games, and he always seemed to perform at his best when the spotlight was brightest. Whether it was a rivalry game or a playoff situation, Carson thrived. That’s the mentality that made him stand out to colleges.”

This performance earned Beck a spot among the most coveted quarterbacks in the nation, and it ultimately set the stage for his decision to play for the University of Georgia.

The Recruitment Process: Why Beck Chose Georgia Over Miami

Although Beck had a strong connection to the state of Florida and could have easily played for the Hurricanes, his decision to commit to Georgia instead raised a few eyebrows among Miami fans. The Hurricanes, a team that recruits heavily within Florida, were naturally considered a contender for Beck’s services. Yet, it was Georgia, with its storied football tradition and rapidly rising prominence under head coach Kirby Smart, that ultimately won Beck’s commitment.

Beck’s high school coach clarified some of the reasoning behind Beck’s decision to leave Florida for Athens, Georgia. According to the coach, Beck had a clear understanding of the type of program he wanted to be a part of, and Georgia’s combination of elite coaching, offensive stability, and opportunity to compete for national championships aligned with his goals.

“Carson had a vision for what he wanted out of his college experience,” the coach explained. “While Miami is a great program, Carson saw Georgia as an opportunity to play for a national powerhouse with a great coaching staff and a system that could develop him into the next level of quarterback. Georgia offered him the perfect balance of competition, exposure, and growth potential.”

One of the primary factors in Beck’s decision was Georgia’s consistency at the quarterback position, something Miami had been struggling with at the time. As Miami fans know all too well, the Hurricanes have faced a revolving door at quarterback, which makes it difficult to develop a clear identity or consistent offensive scheme. For Beck, a program like Georgia, which had developed quarterbacks such as Jake Fromm and Stetson Bennett, appeared to offer more stability and a clearer path to development.

His high school coach added, “He looked at what Georgia had done with quarterbacks over the years, and that stability really appealed to him. Miami, while a great program in its own right, had some uncertainty at that position. Carson made the decision that was best for his future, and I don’t think anyone can fault him for that.”

Beck’s Early Success at Georgia: Impact on Miami

Now, after several years at Georgia, Carson Beck is firmly entrenched as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback. His development has been nothing short of impressive, as he has quickly adapted to the rigors of SEC football. Petagna, a college football analyst, has pointed out that Beck’s early success in the 2025 season could signal the start of an era of dominance for Georgia.

For Miami, the impact of Beck’s success at Georgia is two-fold. First, it highlights a missed opportunity to land a player who could have made a significant difference for the Hurricanes. As Miami continues its rebuilding efforts, having a quarterback of Beck’s caliber could have elevated the program in numerous ways, from improving the offense to attracting better talent around him.

His high school coach acknowledged that Beck’s success at Georgia might leave some wondering “what if” in regard to Miami’s quarterback situation. “If Carson had gone to Miami, the trajectory of their program could have been different. He has that much talent. But the truth is, Georgia’s system has been the perfect fit for him, and he’s made the most of it. Miami is still working to get to that point, but they’re making strides.”

The second way Beck’s success could affect Miami is in the way it may influence future recruiting. As Cristobal continues to rebuild the Hurricanes’ brand and compete for elite talent in Florida, Beck’s success at Georgia could serve as a wake-up call for local recruits who are considering other options outside of the SEC. Miami has long been the favorite for Florida-based talent, but programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Clemson have increasingly poached top prospects from the Sunshine State.

Beck’s success in the SEC is a clear example of how a Florida player can thrive in another region’s system, potentially encouraging future recruits to broaden their horizons and look beyond Miami’s campus for their college football destination.

Miami’s Current Quarterback Situation: The Path Forward

As Miami looks to regain its footing in the ACC and rise back into the ranks of elite college football programs, the quarterback position remains one of the most critical areas for the team to address. The Hurricanes have shown flashes of potential in recent years but have yet to find sustained success at the most important position on the field. With Carson Beck’s success as a backdrop, Miami’s coaching staff will need to find a stable quarterback who can lead the team and develop over time.

In the context of Beck’s development, Miami’s coaching staff has actively been seeking to find that next quarterback who can lead the Hurricanes back to relevance. They’ve made efforts to improve their recruiting and development process for quarterbacks, understanding that they need to build around the most important position on the field. Cristobal’s tenure, while still in its early stages, will ultimately hinge on how effectively he addresses this issue.

“Miami has the pieces in place, but it all starts with finding the right quarterback,” said Beck’s high school coach. “If they can get that position locked down with the right player, Miami could return to its former glory. It’s a process, but they’re on the right track.”