Tate Martell Will Not Be Miami's Starting Quarterback, Jarren Williams Named Starter

By Kevin Harrish on August 12, 2019 at 11:59 am
Tate Martell will not start at Miami.
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
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Tate Martell will begin his Hurricane career as a backup.

Miami head coach Manny Diaz made it official on Monday: Martell will not be Miami's starting quarterback this season as he named redshirt freshman Jarren Williams the team's starting quarterback.

Martell now faces an uphill climb to any playing time at Miami, as Williams has four years of eligibility to Martell's three, and Martell still has to win even the backup spot, as Diaz said that competition will continue between Martell and redshirt sophomore N'Kosi Perry.

According to a report by 247Sports' Andrew Ivins, Martell was absent from Miami's practice on Monday. He was at practice and taking third-team snaps on Tuesday.

Martell transferred from Ohio State to Miami, shortly after Georgia transfer Justin Fields' arrival, despite proclaiming he would stay and beat out Fields, saying “I have no doubt that I'll go out there and win the job.” Martell was reportedly told he would be better off transferring.

The NCAA granted Martell's waiver for immediate eligibility in March, but Martell still had to beat out Williams and Perry in the spring and fall. Ultimately, Miami went with Williams.

"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," Diaz said in a release. "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."

Williams was recruited by Ohio State toward the end of the 2018 cycle before the Buckeyes ultimately signed Matthew Baldwin.

Williams – like Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields – has worked with quarterback trainer Quincy Avery during the offseason. He was a four-star prospect out of high school and played in just one game last season, completing one pass for 17 yards on three attempts.

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