Manny Diaz is still backing Jarren Williams, though the coach is not definitively committing to Williams as the Miami Hurricanes’ starting quarterback moving forward.
Williams was benched after starting Saturday’s game against Virginia Tech by going 4/7 for 47 yards and three interceptions. The three interceptions put Miami in a 14-0 hole. The Canes then fell behind 28-0 after a fumble and interception by N’Kosi Perry led to short fields for the Hokies.
Diaz was asked about his quarterback situation after the game and told reporters that Williams was still the quarterback, according to The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson.
Diaz said N'Kosi's play was "uneven." Said Jarren still the QB and Jarren was healthy enough to play today
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 5, 2019
However, in his postgame radio interview, Diaz did not commit to Williams as the team’s starter for their next game — Friday against Virginia.
Though Diaz said in presser that Jarren Williams is still "our guy," Diaz – when asked about QB moving forward – does NOT say definitively – in his interview with WQAM's Don Bailey Jr. -that Williams will start Friday vs Va….Said Baxa's missed PAT "took wind out of our sails."
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 5, 2019
Despite falling so far behind, Miami came back in the second half and was an extra point away from taking the lead with just over three minutes to go. Perry threw for 422 yards and four touchdowns, giving Diaz a lot to think about for next week.
Miami is now 2-3 on the season, which is Diaz’s first as the team’s head coach.
