Golden: QB Race “a dead heat right now”
By Carlos Pineda
SouthernPigskin.com
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The Miami quarterback battle remains a close race as the Hurricanes go through fall camp. CORAL GABLES, Fla. —The weather has been fair at Greentree Practice Fields but the heat continues to intensify at the quarterback position.
Prior to Thursday morning’s practice, Miami head coach Al Golden told the media the battle between senior Jacory Harris and sophomore Stephen Morris has been pretty competitive and even. Adding that through five practices their numbers are similar.
“It’s like a dead heat right now,” said Golden, whose decision will come after the Aug. 22 scrimmage. “Doesn’t look like it’s going to be resolved before that time.”
Miami’s quarterback battle may be too close to call right now but Golden doesn’t see it as a problem.
“Yeah, it’s good,” Golden said. “They’re going to keep competing, that’s great.”
With neither quarterback backing down, the team has rallied around both of them.
A point of concern for Golden is to cut back on offensive turnovers. Interceptions, in particular, hurt the Hurricanes a year ago —ranking No. 120 in the nation with 27.
UM’s turnover problems have been limited so far this month. On Wednesday, Golden said the offense only turned the ball over three times during the first four days of camp.
Harris said they are making smarter decisions. He credits the seven-on-seven drills, and the lifting and running sessions during the summer in preparing him for his final season at Miami.
The first scrimmage is this Sunday. And is the first real opportunity of the fall camp for either QB to get a leg up on the competition.
Morris believes the offense is finding its stride, “We’re doing a really good job of just implementing the offense and doing reps every day.”
“Everyone is understanding the schemes,” Morris said.
Despite the on-field battle, the rivalry stops right there.
“We’re good friends…the four amigos (Harris, Morris, Ryan Williams and Spencer Whipple),” Harris said. “We love each other, so we’re real cool.”
One thing is for certain. The quarterback that gets the nod will have earned it on the field.
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