Will The Miami Hurricanes Land A New Quarterback By Christmas? Latest On Cam Ward | Donno Mailbag
National signing day was a big success for Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes. Now, Miami just needs to find their next starting quarterback!
Q: Where are we with Cam Ward? Are we confident that the 2024 QB1 will be Cam or KJ Jefferson? Obviously, I'm assuming Jacurri Brown won't be here. If Jacurri balls out next week, is HE our QB1?-Explorer Sam
A: I continue to hear positivity from Miami circles in their pursuit of the Washington State transfer quarterback. Miami fans might get some good news very soon. From the moment Ward entered the Transfer Portal he has been Miami's top priority. The Hurricanes have a very competitive roster and can likely compete for an ACC Championship if they find the right experienced quarterback. Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson provided his take on the Cam Ward situation on Friday afternoon.
I've heard some optimism on Cam Ward & UM and a potential marriage between Washington State transfer QB and Miami (but to aggregators, this is NOT a report or prediction lol). But I have heard encouraging things. We'll see. Decision announcement expected in the next several days.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 22, 2023
"The next several days" is a vague timeline, but I recall Ward's father telling reporters they would like to have a final decision made around Christmas. Yes, it's been a long process already, but Ward has been carefully evaluating Miami, Florida State, and his NFL Draft stock for the past couple weeks. These things don't always play out as quickly as fans would like them to. Ward had a productive official visit to Miami a week and a half ago.
You also asked about Jacurri Brown. I really hope he sticks around and continues to develop next season. We will get a great look at him when he starts for the Hurricanes in the Pinstripe Bowl on December 28th. If Miami can't land Ward, Brown could still be an option for next year along with Emory Williams. However, the Hurricanes would prefer to put an experienced graduate transfer like Ward under center next season. Both Brown and Williams are still underclassmen and could likely use more seasoning.
Q: Which high school signees are most likely to get significant playing time or start this year? -Jordan
A: I will start with incoming 4-Star safety Zaquan Patterson. He just had a tremendous senior season at Chaminade-Madonna and he already looks physically mature enough for the college game. Miami is losing both starting safeties to the NFL. There will be opportunities for Patterson and other less-experienced safeties to get on the field. Plus, Patterson has been a special teams star at Chaminade and could carve a similar niche at The U.
I will also be keeping my eyes on 5-Star defensive tackle Justin Scott. He won't be an early enrollee, but he's such a physical freak at 6-4, 310 with excellent technique and agility. Good luck keeping him off the field. I remember having similar thoughts about Rueben Bain a year ago.
Don't sleep on tight end Elijah Lofton, either. Riley Williams earned significant playing time as a freshman TE last year and I expect Lofton to be similarly ready to get on the field year one.
Receivers Joshisa Trader and Ny Carr will be early enrollees and there could be opportunities in the rotation if they get off to a fast start in the spring.
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