Miami's coach praises Darian Mensah, calling the former Duke star an "alpha" and "game changer" for the Hurricanes' offense.
Darian Mensah made a huge impact for Duke during his only season with the program.
He also left a huge hole when he decided to leave the Blue Devils to play for another ACC school, Miami.
Mensah, a transfer from Tulane, threw for 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns, and six interceptions last season. His heroics helped Duke win the ACC championship by upsetting then-No. 17 Virginia 27-20 in overtime.
Following Duke's 42-39 win over Arizona State in the Sun Bowl, Mensah couldn't turn down the opportunity to play for a Hurricanes program that made it to the College Football Playoff national championship with Carson Beck in January.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal is excited about what Mensah can bring to the Hurricanes next season.
When appearing as a guest on the "Always College Football with Greg McElroy" on Wednesday, Cristobal called Mensah an "alpha" for Miami.
“He’s really good,” Cristobal said, via a transcription from On3. “He’s accurate, he’s got an unbelievable sense, and his pocket awareness is off the charts. His off script stuff and his on schedule stuff is elite. He’s got the right temperament.
"He is an alpha and he’s got a great personality. People really gravitate to him. He’s really athletic and he’s a hard worker. He’s really smart. He checks all the boxes. It’s a great, young quarterback room that he can groom as well."
Cristobal thinks Mensah is a "game changer" for a Miami program looking to make it back to the CFP national championship.
“He’s a game changer, and I think the guys behind him are going to be groomed and turned into game changers as well," he said. "We couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. I think we’re going to compliment him with some really hardworking skill guys."
Former Miami head coach and current Duke head coach Manny Diaz has a big decision to make on Mensah's replacement next season.
ESPN is projecting redshirt freshman Dan Mahan to earn the job in training camp.
If Mensah wins with Miami, it'll be hard for Duke fans to watch and think about what could have been.