Jarren Williams is best choice for Miami Hurricanes passing game

The decision by Miami Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz and offensive coordinator Dan Enos to start Jarren Williams at quarterback will benefit the passing game the most.

Jarren Williams was considered the least likely but most talented of the three quarterbacks competing to be the Miami Hurricanes starter in 2019. He is regarded as the best passer Miami has. Williams being chosen as the first-team QB will provide Enos with the most options in the passing game.

Williams was announced as the Miami Hurricanes starting QB on Monday morning by Diaz on Twitter and via a press release by the Miami Athletic Department. Diaz stated that Williams was named the first-team QB “due to his passing ability, his instincts and his determination.” Multiple reports stated Williams was the best QB in camp.

Williams was a surprise as the starting quarterback. Diaz and Enos stayed true to their word in naming the first-team QB following Miami’s second scrimmage on Saturday night. The original plan was to narrow the QB competition from three to two and then name the starter. Miami has not decided on the second-team QB.

Any number of scenarios could emerge behind Williams as the second-team QB. Tate Martell could be used as a change of pace QB who is a better runner and more adept in run-pass options than Williams is. As a true second-team QB, N’Kosi Perry has more upside than Martell in the passing game if has a better grasp of the offense.

Diaz praised Williams, Martell and Perry. The Hurricanes will now move forward with preparations for Florida and focus on choosing who the second-team QB will be. The first-year Miami Hurricanes head coach was quoted on HurricaneSports.Com discussing the decision to name Williams first-team QB.

"“All three guys showed tremendous improvement and development, which is a credit to their hard work and the work of Dan Enos and his offensive staff. We believe we can win with all three guys, however, we feel like Jarren has the greatest upside due to his passing ability, his instincts and his determination.As we move into preparation for the Florida game we will continue the competition to determine who will serve as the backup quarterback. Obviously, Jarren is a gifted passer. He has learned, I think, the maturity that comes with being the starting quarterback at a place like Miami.”"

Williams is confident in his ability to be productive as the Miami Hurricanes QB. He has dreamt of the opportunity to be a starting QB at the collegiate level throughout his life. Growing up in Georgia and starting the inaugural game of his collegiate career against Florida has to be exciting for the redshirt freshman.

Williams has reportedly built a rapport with sophomore tight end Will Mallory. They got a chance to work together last year on the scout team. Williams spoke about the opportunity to be the Miami Hurricanes starting QB, what it means to lead the Hurricanes and his confidence in his ability as a passer.

"“It means the world. This is something that I’ve always strived for growing up. It’s been my dream since I was a kid. When I was six years old, I used to sit in front of the TV and watch Michael Vick play.That’s a dream I have always had and I’ve strived for it. Having the opportunity to lead this team is the opportunity of a lifetime and I am going to take full advantage of it. I feel like I’m an elite passer. I can make all the throws, even in tight windows. What a lot of people don’t know is that I can extend plays with my feet.I’m not a slow guy. I can tuck the ball and get 15 yards. I can make a guy miss, but I am a pass-first guy. I stand in the pocket and trust the pocket and get the ball to my receivers."

Williams’ last point is critical. Both Martell and Perry have been criticized during their careers for tucking the ball too early and taking off exiting the pocket. Williams will have more patience and go through his reads more efficiently. He is also a more elite passer. Enos has often been praised for his ability to adapt to his talent.

That is going to be critical with the three QBs that competed to be the Hurricanes QB. Williams is the most elite passer, Martell the best athlete and reportedly has the best grasp of the offense. Perry has the most experience and the biggest arm. It will be interesting to see if either of the two choose to transfer.

Williams is ready to seize the opportunity that he earned as the first-team QB. Diaz stated last week that they will stick with the first team QB. The shuffling in 2018 between Perry and Malik Rosier caused a lack of continuity in the Miami offense. Williams will be given every opportunity to remain Miami’s first-team QB.

"“I think I’ve progressed a lot under coach Enos. Being able to go out there and get meaningful reps with the 1s and really get the speed of the game down and get chemistry together is so important. I feel like it is night and day if you watched from the spring until now.I feel like I have gotten a lot better, but my goal is perfection and I am still striving for that. “I feel like I’ve been doing a good job. Of course I have mistakes here and there. But my main thing is learning from it, going back and watching what I did wrong and fixing mistakes so I don’t make the same mistakes next time.I feel like I’m a tough guy. I have passion. I feel like I have the intangibles to really be that guy. You’ve got one shot and when I get my shot, I’m going to be prepared for it. When I get the opportunity, I am going to make sure I do what I do.”"

The Hurricanes will spend the next week and a half getting ready to play Florida. Naming Williams nearly two weeks out gives Diaz and Enos a chance to prep Williams on Enos’ offense and what to expect from the Gators.