Miami quarterback Jarren Williams flashes vast potential in starting debut
In his first start as a college quarterback, Jarren Williams proved that Manny Diaz made the right choice to name him Miami’s starter.
Jarren Williams wasn’t supposed to win the Miami quarterback competition, but he did, and he showed why Manny Diaz entrusted him with the Canes job, albeit in a losing effort vs. Florida.
It was a surprising choice by Diaz to go with the redshirt freshman over former starter N’Kosi Perry and Ohio State transfer Tate Martell, who was assumed the favorite.
Williams showed poise and command of the offense early for the Canes, finishing the first half, completing 12-of-14 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown to give Miami a lead over No. 8 Florida. His poise in the pocket against a very good Florida defense that sacked him 10 times and his guile to keep getting up shows Miami fans could have a special player under center.
The second half didn’t go as well for Williams as the Gators defense feasted on a young and inexperienced offensive line. Williams ended his debut 19-of-29 and 214 yards with one touchdown. He held on to the ball too long at times, but what is most impressive is he didn’t throw an interception against one of the best secondaries in the nation.
Williams had his fair share of hiccups, but they can be corrected with more experience and more game action. If Williams can get more protection in future games for the Hurricanes, he has the potential to have a special season few saw coming.
The early results suggest Williams is much better than many fans were expecting. Helping his development is offensive coordinator and former Alabama quarterback coach, Dan Enos. His ability to bring out the potential in Williams and translate it into production will be key through to get through the ACC.
Williams, a former four-star recruit, was the No. 77 player in the class of 2018 and former Elite 11 member. He has the pedigree and the background to be the next special quarterback at The U.
He’s already got the endorsement of former Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd.
To make it even better, Williams shouldn’t be in any shortage of playmakers to get the ball to either as Brevin Jordan showcased his size and speed at tight end, catching five passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. K.J. Osborn added four catches for 41 yards and DeeJay Dallas looks like a threat to score when he gets the ball in his hands.
It may have been a confusing mix of talent at the quarterback position coming into the season for Miami, but Diaz seems to have gone the right way in his first major decision as Miami’s head coach, despite the loss to Florida, Canes fans should come away excited about their future because of Williams.