Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes had a successful National Signing Day. Miami now only needs to find their next starting quarterback!
Q: Where do we stand with Cam Ward? Are we certain that Cam or KJ Jefferson will be the 2024 QB1? I’m thinking Jacurri Brown won’t be there. Is Jacurri our QB1 if he goes down next week?-Sam, the explorer
A: I continue to hear positive things about Miami’s pursuit of the Washington State transfer quarterback. Miami fans may be in for some nice news shortly. Ward has been Miami’s #1 priority since the time he entered the Transfer Portal. The Hurricanes have a very competitive squad and will be able to challenge for an ACC Championship if they can locate the appropriate experienced quarterback. On Friday afternoon, Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson offered his perspective on the Cam Ward situation.
“The next several days” is a hazy schedule, but Ward’s father told reporters that they hoped to make a definitive choice around Christmas. Yes, it’s been a lengthy process, but Ward has spent the last few weeks thoroughly studying Miami, Florida State, and his NFL Draft prospects. These things don’t always happen as soon as supporters would like. Ward recently returned from a fruitful official visit to Miami.
You inquired about Jacurri Brown as well. I truly hope he sticks around and develops further next season. We’ll get a good look at him when he makes his Hurricanes debut in the Pinstripe Bowl on December 28th. If Miami is unable to sign Ward, Brown and Emory Williams could be options for next season. However, the Hurricanes would like to start next season with an experienced graduate transfer like Ward. Brown and Williams are both freshmen who might benefit from extra playing time.
Q: Which high school signees are most likely to get substantial playing time or to make their college debut this year? -Jordan
A: I’ll start with Zaquan Patterson, the upcoming 4-Star safety. He just finished a fantastic senior season at Chaminade-Madonna and appears to be physically mature enough for the college game. Miami will lose both of its starting safeties to the NFL. Patterson and other inexperienced safeties will have opportunities on the field. Patterson was a special teams standout at Chaminade and might carve himself a similar role at The University.
I’ll also be watching 5-Star defensive tackle Justin Scott. He won’t be a first-year student, but he’s a physical marvel at 6-4, 310 pounds with superb technique and quickness. Good luck preventing him from playing. A year ago, I had similar sentiments about Rueben Bain.
Don’t overlook tight end Elijah Lofton. Riley Williams saw substantial playing time as a freshman tight end last year, and I expect Lofton to be similarly prepared to play in year one.
Receivers Joshisa Trader and Ny Carr will be early enrollees, and if they get out to a fast start in the spring, they may have opportunities in the rotation.
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