Miami’s three-way quarterback race is officially over. On Monday, the program released a video on social media announcing that redshirt freshman Jarren Williams has been named the starting quarterback for the Hurricanes’ season opener against the Florida Gators on August 24.
QB1.
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) August 12, 2019
Jarren Williams was considered the longshot to win the job by many in the summer due to his relative inexperience. N’Kosi Perry was the incumbent starter after taking over for Malik Rosier last season, but many thought that highly touted Ohio State transfer Tate Martell would win the job.
Big news. So many folks thought it would be either Tate Martell or N'Kosi Perry. https://t.co/fzWERGmWUo
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) August 12, 2019
Martell was a five-star quarterback in the class of 2017, and he was the favorite to win the starting job at various offshore sportsbooks. He originally committed to Washington, but he ended up signing with Ohio State and enrolled early. Martell was hyped up during his two seasons in Columbus, but he never saw much time on the field as the back-up quarterback behind Dwayne Haskins.
When Justin Fields made the decision to transfer from Georgia to Ohio State in early January, Martell decided it was time to leave the program. Martell had posted a now-deleted tweet in response to rumors that Fields was coming to Columbus in December, and he is certainly regretting those words today.
— Bud Elliott (@BudElliott3) August 12, 2019
According to The Athletic’s Manny Navarro, Williams found out that he would be named the starter on Saturday night. Williams has four years of eligibility left after using his redshirt in 2018, and Manny Diaz and Dan Enos have been impressed with the youngster’s poise.
NEW: Jarren Williams had some good news whispered into his ear shortly after Miami’s scrimmage Saturday night. Monday, it became reality when he was announced as Miami’s starter.
What do the #Canes have in Williams? We break it down. https://t.co/HetYMOLNTC
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) August 12, 2019
In a press conference earlier today, Williams was asked what the starting job meant to him and Miami’s new quarterback responded:
“It means the world. This is something that I’ve always strived for growing up. It’s been my dream since I was a kid. When I was six years old, I used to sit in front of the TV and watch Michael Vick play. That’s a dream I have always had and I’ve strived for it. Having the opportunity to lead this team is the opportunity of a lifetime and I am going to take full advantage of it.”
There’s no word yet on whether Perry and Martell will decide to transfer, but one of the two will likely move on in the coming weeks.
