Five Miami Hurricanes freshmen most likely to make impact vs Florida

The Miami Hurricanes are going to need freshmen at some positions more than others in the season opener against Florida.

Entering the Saturday’s season opener against Florida, the Miami Hurricanes are going to need some freshman to make an impact against Florida. Some are more obvious than others. It will start with redshirt freshman quarterback Jarren Williams. Williams is making the first start of his collegiate career against the Gators.

Williams played only nine snaps and completed one pass for 17 yards in 2018. That came as the fourth quarterback to get in the game against Savannah State during last season’s 77-0 victory over the now Division II Tigers. Williams winning the starting job as the QB for the Miami Hurricanes took most by surprise.

Williams’ ability to be accurate throwing the football is one of the biggest reasons he earned first-team QB over N’Kosi Perry and Tate Martell. His leadership on and off the field and his work ethic also impressed the Miami coaches. Against the Gators, Williams needs to continue to play with a sense of urgency and remain under control.

How well Williams reacts to the first sign of adversity will teach us a lot about what kind of QB and leader he is. The Gators are a very difficult opponent for Miami to open the season against. Florida’s defense, like Miami, is the strength of their team. The Hurricanes would be wise to run a ball-control offense behind DeeJay Dallas and Cam’Ron Harris.

Williams will be challenged by an experienced Florida secondary. The Gators return their entire secondary in 2018 led by All-American cornerback candidate C.J. Henderson.