BREAKING: N’Kosi Perry will be the starting FAU quarterback against the Gators

The question of who will be the starting quarterback for the Owls has been solved. It’ll be FAU graduate student, N’Kosi Perry leading the charge against the Florida Gators this Saturday. 

The quarterback situation was one to follow this season as it was up in the air of who will be under center in Gainseville. However, Perry isn’t a surprising choice here.

Perry was formerly with the Miami Hurricanes and brings that big-game experience that the coaches and players have praised. With Miami, he played there for three years and has nine starts under his belt. In his three years for the Canes, he threw for 2484 yards, 24 touchdowns (with three on the ground) with 10 interceptions. Last season, he sat behind one of the best college football quarterbacks D’Eriq King, playing in five games. 

Leading us into Gainesville…

𝐐𝐁𝟏 pic.twitter.com/pbCCzJSAt3

— Florida Atlantic Football (@FAUFootball) August 29, 2021

However, Perry was brought in later where he didn’t play spring ball and was in the transfer portal (starting in Feb.) for most of it. He had to compete with the likes of incumbent starter Nick Tronti, Michael Johnson Jr., and Willie Taggart Jr., but apparently, he’s made great strides to get the starting job. 

Once again, Perry starting shouldn’t be surprising to anyone. Despite coming into the program later, I don’t think FAU brings in a player like Perry, especially as a graduate student, if the expectation is to have him sit most of the season. 

By going off practice, by what coaches and players are saying, my guess is Perry and Tronti. I don’t think #FAU brings in Perry (a grad student) if the expectation is that he’s not your starter week one.

I’d like to add this is is my personal observation and opinion. https://t.co/AfoHfFAuZE

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) August 26, 2021

By going off practice and what I’ve heard from players and coaches, there has been nothing but praise for Perry. I mentioned in a previous article about the quarterback situation where Perry was my prediction. It made sense as with the different drills that the media were accessible to, I noticed Perry working with expected center Nick Weber and with other starters. As well as working with Tronti, who I predict to be the primary backup to start the season. 

Although Perry is the starter for week one, he’s not guaranteed the position for the rest of the season as if anything happens, they could always go back to Tronti, who started most games of the season last year.

At the end of the day, head coach Willie Taggart went with the guy he thinks gives the team the best chance to win. With your first opponent being the Gators, who the Associated Press has as the 13th best team in the nation, you go for the guy with the most upside and experience. N’Kosi Perry gives FAU just that.

But, the question remains: We saw flashes of consistency from Perry in the Atlantic Coast Conference, can he thrive in Conference USA? I guess we’ll have to find out.

We’ll get Taggart’s thoughts on the decision as there will be a WebEx call tomorrow morning, where Lemon City Live will have coverage on his presser. 

Offensive coordinator Michael Johnson and requested players will speak Tuesday morning, defensive coordinator Mike Stoops will speak Wednesday morning and Taggart will make his final remarks Thursday on WebEx.

Photo courtesy of FAU Athletics.