Miami Hurricanes Freshman QB Jarren Williams returns to practice

Miami Hurricanes Freshman quarterback Jarren Williams returned to practice on Wednesday morning after leaving Tuesday’s practice early. Williams is competing with Redshirt Freshmen N’Kosi Perry and Cade Weldon to be second-string behind starter Malik Rosier.

Williams left Tuesday’s practice early with an unspecified injury. Miami Hurricanes Athletics Communications Director Camron Ghorbi said that Williams was being evaluated by their medical staff. No further updates have been issued on Williams’ status.

Christy Cabrera Chirinos of the Sun Sentinel reported that Williams was seen working with Rosier, Perry and Weldon during the 15 minutes that the media was allowed to observe practice on Wednesday morning,

Miami Hurricanes Offensive Coordinator Thomas Brown, when pressed on Williams’ injury, told reporters on Tuesday to ask Head Coach Mark Richt. Richt is not scheduled to meet with reporters on Wednesday. After speaking after practice on Tuesday Brown is not likely to speak with the Media again Wednesday.

Williams is currently fourth on the depth chart. Perry has been taking the majority of reps with the second team and Weldon with the third team.

The new redshirt rule in college football likely means that Williams will see playing time this season. Players are now allowed to see time in four games at any time during the season and maintain their redshirt year. Williams spoke during media day about what Richt discussed with him regarding his expectations for 2018.

"“Coach [Mark] Richt said he’s going to put me out there…I’ve just got to be ready and he’ll give me the chance. The hardest part for me has been mastering that playbook. That just comes with time. I’m learning, but I still make mistakes sometimes.’’"

Williams likely will not see the field without a grasp of the playbook. The four-star Freshman from Georgia said on Media day that it’s been a tough adjustment to college and learning everything about being a collegiate quarterback. Richt discussed how Williams is progressing.

"“(Williams) doesn’t quite know what to do on every play,…He’s a typical freshman. …But the one thing I love about him is he seems pretty fearless in the pocket. He’s not perfect by any stretch, but fundamentally he’s pretty sound and he hits his targets more times than not.’’"

During the Spring Richt said that Williams was the Hurricanes most accurate quarterback. The issue was that Williams often did not know why he was throwing it to a particular receiver.

Williams enrolled at Miami with the most prowess as a Freshman of the Hurricanes quarterbacks currently on the roster. Weldon spoke highly of his teammate.

"“That dude has a rocket on his arm,…He’s still learning. I see a lot of myself in Jarren a year ago. I was making mistakes like that, but Jarren hangs in the pocket and make some really, really good plays with his arm.’’"

As camp progresses the competition to be Rosier’s immediate backup will continue. The opener is rapidly approaching. September 2 is just 18 days away. Solidifying the number two quarterback and getting him ready for LSU will be extremely important in case Rosier gets hurt or has excessive difficulties against an excellent LSU defense.

It’s difficult to imagine Richt putting in Perry, Weldon or Williams in a tight game. Rosier is the only Miami quarterback who has taken a snap in a college game, much less thrown a pass.