Ken Dorsey

Strengths: Ken Dorsey’s a smart, accurate passer, who has the poise and maturity to read defenses and adjust accordingly. He’s also proven to be a clutch performer, leading Miami to a 4-1 record in 2000 against top 10 teams, including knocking off then-#1 Florida State. Last year was his first as a full-time starter, and he got better as the year wore on. By season’s end, he was a full-fledged weapon.

He’s tall, has a strong arm, respected leadership skills and a tremendous work ethic. His new coach (and former offensive coordinator) Larry Coker says Dorsey is one of the most intelligent quarterbacks he has ever coached.

Areas of concern: Even after a summer of extensive weightlifting, Dorsey still looks like he’d lose a battle with a stiff breeze. And Miami’s history is loaded with great quarterbacks who are hit and miss in the NFL — are they legit prospects, or products of a terrific system? When discussing the first-ever pick in franchise history, it’s a legitimate question.

A pocket passer in the truest sense of the phrase, Dorsey has limited wheels and trouble making something out of nothing. If his pocket collapses, he’s in trouble.

Is he sponge-worthy? Tough to tell. His name is rarely mentioned when talking about the 2002 draft, and was decidedly absent when both Vick and Henson pulled out. If there was a player worthy of filling their void, it would have been Dorsey, considering both his numbers and success last year.

CNN/SI and Fox Sports ranked their top 32 prospects for 2002, and neither listed Dorsey among them, choosing instead unproven youngsters (like UT’s Chris Simms) and physically-appealing projects (like USC’s Carson Palmer). Seems more than a few get a Gino Torretta vibe from Dorsey.

If true, then Dorsey may be a guy who slides to the second, third, fourth round, and if Houston focuses on a stud running back or mountainous offensive lineman early (likely, considering Capers would love to run as much as possible), they could snag Dorsey in a later round. Could be one of those Brian Griese types. Could be. Remember, he’s still only a true junior.

Ken Dorsey Return to The War Room

‘Canes Mutiny on Draft Day? Andrea Szulszteyn of the Florida Sun-Sentinel brings us up-to-date on the dozen or so potential Miami Hurricane prospects.

Dorsey could become best Miami QB of them all The Sporting News goes one-on-one with Ken Dorsey.

Nice kid a Hurricane on field USA Today’s Jack Carey traces Miami QB Ken Dorsey’s ascent from backup to on-the-field winner.

Time to see if Dorsey really fits Miami QB mold ESPN.com takes a look at the pressure of being the latest Miami QB prodigy.