2014 Marin Catholic (Ca.) QB Morgan Mahalak has been a name that Miami fans have been hearing for a few months by now. Mahalak has taken two trips to Coral Gables, once for the North Carolina game last season and another for the first Junior Day last month. He explained his interest in the 'Canes.
"The tradition and glory they have is amazing. I've seen the 30-for-30 and Miami has always been a big name with NFL players so when Coach Fisch reached out to me I couldn't pass that up. I've been out there twice now and learned basically everything about the school."
The 6'3", 195-lb signal-caller expanded on his recent trip to Miami.
"It was great. Obviously Coach Fisch is gone now, but I was able to meet with the coaching staff and they showed a lot of love. It was like the same as the first time, but it was great to be back and I also got a better feel for it because there were students on campus and I got to see the student life. It's a place I could see myself at."
Although Mahalak had become close to Fisch in the few months he had been recruiting him, the Cali gunslinger is already becoming comfortable with new Miami Offensive Coordinator James Coley, who reached out to Mahalak about two weeks ago.
"He seems very similar to Coach Fisch in many aspects. He's a family man and very sociable with guys. He's energetic, loose, and laid-back, but he gets after it on the field. We've developed a good relationship over the past couple weeks and it seems to be progressing every day."
Mahalak put in his own words why he thinks he is a big-time quarterback prospect.
"I have great size with a big frame to put on some more weight. I'm pushing 6'4" and I'm fast with a big arm. I have the ability to play in either a pro-style offense or a spread so I feel I'm versatile in that respect."
An interesting aspect of Mahalak's story is that he did not start at quarterback on his own team this year, as Cal signee Jared Goff got first-team duties. Goff was rated as a 4-star and participated in the Elite-11 competition so it's not something to be ashamed of, but Mahalak had an answer to those who are questioning his ability.
"I would ask them then why are so many coaches interested and why is my name being mentioned so much. I have a lot of upside. I went head-to-head with Jared all year and he gave me tons of advice. He opened my eyes to new things I had never seen before and his mental side is just ridiculous. He helped me a lot."
This will be a critical spring for Mahalak as a heads into his senior year.
"I think all these physical tools are there, but one thing I want to do now is get in the classroom and nail down the mental side of the game because that's half the battle right there."
Miami is yet to offer, but he thinks like it is coming.
"I've done everything I need to do, but I think they're just making some more evaluations. I'm confident it will come pretty soon so it's just about keeping the relationships up, but I feel like it will turn out in my favor."
Being from California, Mahalak says he doesn't have any concerns yet about making a cross-country move if Miami were to be his choice.
"As of now, I don't have any concerns and I feel like I could do it. Maybe as decision time comes closer though, it will be something I have to look into a little harder. From where I'm looking at it right now, it seems like a great fit."
UNC, Oregon, Oregon State, Boise State, UCLA, and USC are among the other programs that have been in contact with Mahalak.
"The tradition and glory they have is amazing. I've seen the 30-for-30 and Miami has always been a big name with NFL players so when Coach Fisch reached out to me I couldn't pass that up. I've been out there twice now and learned basically everything about the school."
The 6'3", 195-lb signal-caller expanded on his recent trip to Miami.
"It was great. Obviously Coach Fisch is gone now, but I was able to meet with the coaching staff and they showed a lot of love. It was like the same as the first time, but it was great to be back and I also got a better feel for it because there were students on campus and I got to see the student life. It's a place I could see myself at."
Although Mahalak had become close to Fisch in the few months he had been recruiting him, the Cali gunslinger is already becoming comfortable with new Miami Offensive Coordinator James Coley, who reached out to Mahalak about two weeks ago.
"He seems very similar to Coach Fisch in many aspects. He's a family man and very sociable with guys. He's energetic, loose, and laid-back, but he gets after it on the field. We've developed a good relationship over the past couple weeks and it seems to be progressing every day."
Mahalak put in his own words why he thinks he is a big-time quarterback prospect.
"I have great size with a big frame to put on some more weight. I'm pushing 6'4" and I'm fast with a big arm. I have the ability to play in either a pro-style offense or a spread so I feel I'm versatile in that respect."
An interesting aspect of Mahalak's story is that he did not start at quarterback on his own team this year, as Cal signee Jared Goff got first-team duties. Goff was rated as a 4-star and participated in the Elite-11 competition so it's not something to be ashamed of, but Mahalak had an answer to those who are questioning his ability.
"I would ask them then why are so many coaches interested and why is my name being mentioned so much. I have a lot of upside. I went head-to-head with Jared all year and he gave me tons of advice. He opened my eyes to new things I had never seen before and his mental side is just ridiculous. He helped me a lot."
This will be a critical spring for Mahalak as a heads into his senior year.
"I think all these physical tools are there, but one thing I want to do now is get in the classroom and nail down the mental side of the game because that's half the battle right there."
Miami is yet to offer, but he thinks like it is coming.
"I've done everything I need to do, but I think they're just making some more evaluations. I'm confident it will come pretty soon so it's just about keeping the relationships up, but I feel like it will turn out in my favor."
Being from California, Mahalak says he doesn't have any concerns yet about making a cross-country move if Miami were to be his choice.
"As of now, I don't have any concerns and I feel like I could do it. Maybe as decision time comes closer though, it will be something I have to look into a little harder. From where I'm looking at it right now, it seems like a great fit."
UNC, Oregon, Oregon State, Boise State, UCLA, and USC are among the other programs that have been in contact with Mahalak.
