Miami Hurricanes QB Jarren Williams likely to transfer if he is third-string

The Miami Hurricanes battle to be the starting quarterback in 2019 is complex and wide open. Miami Head coach Manny Diaz and offensive coordinator Dan Enos won’t name a starting QB until someone emerges or they absolutely have to.

Manny Diaz said this spring he would like to have the Miami Hurricanes first-team QB in place a week or two into summer training camp. Semi-incumbent N’Kosi Perry and challengers Tate Martell and Jarren Williams are all still in the running to be the first team QB when Miami takes the field against Florida in August.

All three Miami QBs have a lot of talent. They each bring different variables to the field. Williams is the most well rounded among the Miami QBs according to a former Hurricanes starting QB via Manny Navarro of The Athletic. Martell brings the most versatility to the position. Perry has the most experience and biggest arm.

Navarro discussed the Hurricanes QB situation as part of a question and answer session regarding the Miami football program on Friday afternoon. One of the biggest questions regarding the Miami QBs that had not been asked much, if any this offseason is what happens to the Hurricanes QB that winds up third-team.

Perry is the most committed of the Miami Hurricanes QBs to their football program. He was a Miami commitment before Mark Richt was hired in December 2015. Perry signed with the Hurricanes as part of Richt’s second recruiting class in February 2017. Martell and Williams seem to be more Diaz and Enos guys.

As it stood through the end of spring practice Perry had a slight edge over Martell to be the Hurricanes starting QB. Reports came out shortly before Miami’s loss to Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl Williams contemplated transferring. He was reportedly talked out of it by Richt and his son Jon who was then the QB coach.

Navarro was asked if he thought that any of the QBs who don’t win the starting job would consider transferring, especially who winds up third-string. Either Martell or Williams could be a possibility. Martell seems more likely after the season if he’s a backup. Martell can be a graduate transfer in 2020 with immediate eligibility.

"“The only QB in my opinion who seeks a transfer if he’s not starting is Jarren Williams. That’s all based off of conversations I’ve had with people in each of the QBs respective camps. I think there’s always a chance Martell could transfer especially if he graduates early, which is expected.”"

Perry and Martell are the favorites to start for the Hurricanes. The follow-up question to Navarro’s answer asked “It seems like Williams is the longest shot not to start. Is it a foregone conclusion he would transfer if he’s third or even second string?” The state of the Miami depth chart heading into summer seems like Williams is third-team QB.

"“I don’t know if it is a forgone conclusion that he transfers, but I think he needs to feel he has a legitimate shot to play. If he’s third-string I would think he’s gone.”"

Diaz discussed where each of the Miami QBs are following the spring game with Hurricanes radio play-by-play announcer Joe Zagacki.

Williams is the most likely to be the third-sting Miami QB. If that comes to fruition it seems that the rising redshirt freshman is pretty close to leaving. The widely held view is that Williams has the most upside, brightest future and highest NFL ceiling of the three primary QBs on the Miami roster.

Navarro relayed information that an unnamed former Miami Hurricanes starting QB felt that Williams is the most well-rounded QB on the Hurricanes roster.

"” I had a former starting QB at Miami tell me he’s the most well-rounded quarterback they have.”"

When everything is settled the biggest question on the minds of most followers of the Miami Hurricanes football program is who will be the starting QB on August 24 against Florida at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Navarro was point blank asked who he thinks will be named the starter.

"Julian S: “Who do you think will win the QB battle? Do you think the named starter will keep the position for the entire year?(Navarro): Right now I’d name N’Kosi Perry the favorite to start against Florida. But the job is not set in stone at all and I think if he struggles, or anyone else struggles, the job will continue to switch hands until it is really won.”"

The Miami Hurricanes QBs need to be leaders as a unit on the Miami football team no matter who the starter is. Navarro was asked, “Who is the heart and soul on each side of the ball?” As should be the case on any good football team Navarro stated that the QBs have become leaders for the Hurricanes.

"“I think offensively the leaders are the QBs, Brevin Jordan, Navaughn Donaldson, DeeJay Dallas and KJ Osborn. Defensively, it is Shaq Quarterman, Michael Pinckney and Trajan Bandy.”"

Miami needs leadership and a unified QB room in 2019. When former Clemson QB Kelly Bryant was considering the Hurricanes last fall Williams and running back Lorenzo Lingard both spoke out against Bryant moving to Coral Gables. Being a QB means accepting a challenge. Leadership is essential from the signal callers in 2019.