Morris Out; Golden Speaks Up

Under center, the plot thickens. Everyone knew Al Golden wasn’t going to just hand the job of starting quarterback over to junior Stephen Morris, but due to some big game experience – especially in comparison to his competitors – it was a safe bet that Morris had the leg up going into spring.

Instead, Morris is laid up – sidelined due to back surgery last week – and the quarterback position is as wide open as ever.

Memphis transfer Ryan Williams has been named first team, with Gray Crow at number two and Preston Dewey at third string.

The official depth chart was released days back (re: image listed below) and while there were several positions where Coach was obviously looking to motivate and light a fire (sophomore linebacker Denzel Perryman listed as second string), quarterback has the most intrigue entering spring.

The Morris injury could’ve possibly resulted from an existing condition which was aggravated in December and while the junior quarter tried to rehab the injury this off-season, doctors eventually decided surgery was best. Morris will be an “active participant” in spring football, regarding play-calling and what not, but he will not be throwing. That will be left for Williams, Crow and Dewey to battle out.

Regarding the rest of the depth chart, Golden certainly isn’t playing around. Getting the best kids on the field is the goal while all motivational tactics, use of psychology and straight-up calling players out – it’s all fair game. Some recent quips and tidbits from the second-year Miami head coach as spring ball preps to kick off:

– The secondary is a tale of two different types of player right now as safety Ray-Ray Armstrong finally “got the message,” according to Golden. However, cornerback Brandon McGee drew some harsh criticism.

Regarding Armstrong, “Ray-Ray had arguable the best off-season of anybody,” said Golden. “He got the message. Gave up his winter vacation and made a lot of progress. He’s leading by example.”

“Last year he made too many mistakes. Great safeties defend the deep ball well, get their teams lined up and tackle well in the open field. We all know he gave up too many deep balls, didn’t get us lined up all the time like he needed to do and didn’t make enough open field tackles.”

Still, Golden feels Armstrong is ready to get it done saying, “it’s all in the past, I expect him to have a real productive spring. I’d be shocked if he’s not playing a lot faster, tackling better in the open field.”

Regarding McGee, you have what appears to be a player in the doghouse, though not one who will stay there, barring he gets his work done and hears the message loud and clear.

About McGee, Golden said the corner “should be better than he is. No excuse. That’s it, end of story.” Golden stated that McGee gave up running track “and wanted to focus on football and didn’t work as hard as other guys in those [conditioning areas] and now he’s got his hands full. If I was in his shoes, I’d want to lock it up before six guys show up in August. He didn’t do that in Phase One. He has a chance to do that in Phase Two.”

How does McGee respond. Well, hopefully, or this will be a kid who will absolute get lost in the shuffle with kids like Rayshawn Jenkins, Tracy Howard and Antonio Crawford headed to Coral Gables, ready to work for immediate playing time.

True freshman Larry Hope is already on campus, having been penciled in at first string entering spring, while JUCO transfer Ladarius Gunder is listed as second string. On McGee’s side, he’s currently third string behind starter Thomas Finnie and number two, Keion Payne.

– Tight end Asante Cleveland is drawing praise from the head coach. “Other than Ray-Ray, Asante has had the best off season,” said Golden. “He’s almost 270 pounds [up from 240 two years ago], running well. We missed that at tight end – a big physical guy who can do it all. His body looks different.

– Defensive end is a position full of unprovens, with a lot of guys trying to earn the spot opposite Anthony Chickillo. Miami lost Olivier Vernon, Marcus Robinson, Andrew Smith and Adewale Ojomo at end and will hope that Shayon Green, Ricardo Williams, Junior Alexis and early arrival Dwayne Hoilett.

According to Golden, Green, ” is stronger than he’s ever been. Very strong and explosive kid. Ricardo has developed nicely for us. Hoilett has a shot for us there. We’re bringing in several guys. We should be good there,” said Golden.

– For fans attempting to make sense of this spring’s depth chart, Golden warns against that and reminds everyone that the depth chart “is based on the off-season program in general – on weight room and how they perform on the field,” said Golden. “There’s no message. We all coached a 6-6 team. That’s not good enough for anybody.”

Regarding Golden’s goal this spring? “That we become a fundamentally sound team, not a team that beats itself. You start to sense it’s a little bit different already because of some of the off-season program. We’re trying to build something that’s going to last. The guys have a much more mature, results-oriented approach.”

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