Last week, Tyler Van Dyke was benched in favor of true freshman quarterback Emory Williams.
Williams fought hard in Miami’s 27-20 loss to Florida State, but he suffered a compound fracture to his left, non-throwing arm late in the game.
Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal confirmed Van Dyke’s return to the starting lineup on Monday afternoon. Jacurri Brown, Miami’s other scholarship quarterback, has yet to play this season.
In his last four starts, Van Dyke has thrown ten interceptions. After replacing the injured Williams, he threw his twelfth interception of the season on Miami’s final drive against Florida State.
Cristobal had the following to say about Van Dyke’s handling of this situation, which is essentially a second chance to lead the team:
“To be a quarterback in Miami, you have to be tough, have a thick skin, and be a competitor.” He’s all of those things. He handled last week like a pro, which means he was disappointed, upset, and fought hard all week, and both guys had a great week of practice. In fact, by the end of the week, employees were thinking, ‘Man, we’ve made a lot of progress.’ I felt like we did a better job as a staff and as a group of players putting things together knowing it was going to be a difficult team to move the ball against, particularly through the air, where they had excelled. But that’s what your job as a coach is because of his performance last week, his determination, and his past successes. To provide clarity, clear the clutter, and improve people. And he’s done fantastically well. He’s handled everything admirably. He also has the trust of his teammates and coaches.”
Shannon Dawson, the offensive coordinator, also spoke about Van Dyke and provided some helpful insight into his situation.
“Alabama had a quarterback that got benched, and look how he’s playing right now,” Dawson said, referring to Jalen Milroe. “When I say the blueprint is out there, you don’t have to go back ten years.” Just take a look around. Don’t think you’re the only one going through something. Someone right down the road is going through it and handling it admirably. They took advantage of the situation. “I’d be surprised if that didn’t happen (with Van Dyke).”
This Saturday, the Hurricanes host ninth-ranked Louisville. The game will begin at Noon at Hard Rock Stadium.
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