Miami head coach Manny Diaz followed up Wednesday’s practice by announcing that N’Kosi Perry would make his second straight start at QB this week in place of an injured Jarren Williams.
“We’ve had two good days in preparation, it’s been really good to get Jarren Williams back on the field,” Diaz said. “He’s basically taken a fair amount of reps - much, much more than a week ago. But after watching the last couple of days, we’ll still continue to start N’Kosi Perry at quarterback. We just feel like N’Kosi’s development, plus where Jarren still is, plus just getting back in the swing of things, N’Kosi gives us the best chance to win.
“That being said, Jarren is going to prepare like he’ll play on Saturday and there could be a role. He knows that. But until we really get Jarren feeling like he’s 100%, N’Kosi is the answer.”
Despite Perry getting the nod vs. Georgia Tech on Saturday, Diaz continues to support Williams in the starting role.
“I’m still going to keep saying the same thing I’ve been saying - I think Jarren is our guy. N’Kosi will go out there and play and let’s see what happens… Jarren is our starting quarterback, we’ve never wavered from that.”
Although Williams won’t start the game against the Yellow Jackets, Diaz left the door open for Williams to get into the contest, saying Williams and Tate Martell were “2a and 2b” in terms of backing up Perry.
“He has responded well this week mentally,” Diaz said of Williams. “Physically, in terms of doing everything he wants to do - he could be ready to go Saturday, but from our preparation standpoint of knowing who the starter is, getting the team to rally behind the guy, everyone knowing N’Kosi is the guy so we can prepare for our final practices and walk-throughs with that idea.”
Could Perry win the job with a strong performance this week?
“Even though we named Jarren the starter, none of the guys are finished products,” Diaz said. “All the guys have strengths, things to improve on. Those things have continued to improve since. There’s a reason we picked Jarren and that reason still exists. However, we want them all to continue to develop. And don’t we have a good thing?”
Although walk-on Turner Davidson worked as UM’s kicker over usual starter Bubba Baxa last week in the win over UVA, Diaz said the job is still open – Davidson, Baxa, and walk-on Camden Price (who has returned from suspension) are all competing there. According to Diaz, the final determination will come during pre-game warmups.
"Right now, that race is still ongoing," Diaz said.
“We’ve had two good days in preparation, it’s been really good to get Jarren Williams back on the field,” Diaz said. “He’s basically taken a fair amount of reps - much, much more than a week ago. But after watching the last couple of days, we’ll still continue to start N’Kosi Perry at quarterback. We just feel like N’Kosi’s development, plus where Jarren still is, plus just getting back in the swing of things, N’Kosi gives us the best chance to win.
“That being said, Jarren is going to prepare like he’ll play on Saturday and there could be a role. He knows that. But until we really get Jarren feeling like he’s 100%, N’Kosi is the answer.”
Despite Perry getting the nod vs. Georgia Tech on Saturday, Diaz continues to support Williams in the starting role.
“I’m still going to keep saying the same thing I’ve been saying - I think Jarren is our guy. N’Kosi will go out there and play and let’s see what happens… Jarren is our starting quarterback, we’ve never wavered from that.”
Although Williams won’t start the game against the Yellow Jackets, Diaz left the door open for Williams to get into the contest, saying Williams and Tate Martell were “2a and 2b” in terms of backing up Perry.
“He has responded well this week mentally,” Diaz said of Williams. “Physically, in terms of doing everything he wants to do - he could be ready to go Saturday, but from our preparation standpoint of knowing who the starter is, getting the team to rally behind the guy, everyone knowing N’Kosi is the guy so we can prepare for our final practices and walk-throughs with that idea.”
Could Perry win the job with a strong performance this week?
“Even though we named Jarren the starter, none of the guys are finished products,” Diaz said. “All the guys have strengths, things to improve on. Those things have continued to improve since. There’s a reason we picked Jarren and that reason still exists. However, we want them all to continue to develop. And don’t we have a good thing?”
Although walk-on Turner Davidson worked as UM’s kicker over usual starter Bubba Baxa last week in the win over UVA, Diaz said the job is still open – Davidson, Baxa, and walk-on Camden Price (who has returned from suspension) are all competing there. According to Diaz, the final determination will come during pre-game warmups.
"Right now, that race is still ongoing," Diaz said.
