CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Malik Rosier spoke to the media on Wednesday for the first time since being named the new starting quarterback for the University of Miami, and he revealed the tryout process was a stressful one.
"It's one of those things where sometimes you stress out and it's like, 'Man, am I going to be the guy?" Rosier said.
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The key for Rosier, he said, was to "play relaxed and just be myself every day."
The redshirt junior beat out three other quarterbacks, including highly-touted freshman N'Kosi Perry.
Head coach Mark Richt sprang the news during meetings on Tuesday.
"For me, it was a very energizing feeling to know that coach Richt has enough trust in me to name me the starter for week one," Rosier said.
Rosier started the "Miami Miracle" game two years ago when Brad Kaaya was hurt. Becoming the full-time starter for the Hurricanes means the world.
"It's a great history," Rosier said. "Me and Brad still communicate every day. That's one of my best friends, him and (former tight end) David (Njoku)."
Rosier said that Kaaya, UM's all-time leading passer, has become somewhat of a mentor.
"He's still helping me out," Rosier said. "It's different going from being a backup behind Brad to actually starting now. He's still helping me out. It's huge to follow the legacy of great quarterbacks."
Kaaya was just one of the former players to get in touch with Rosier to congratulate him on winning the QB competition.
"I think the biggest congratulations besides Brad was (former running back) Edgerrin James," Rosier said. "I also had (1992 Heisman Trophy-winning QB) Gino Torretta hit me up on Twitter. He told me congratulations and that if I have any questions, that he would help me out as well. So just some of the older guys coming back and helping me out, that means the world to me, that they're still here to support us."