Taylor Cook & Cannon Smith leaving The U

The University of Miami’s depth chart took another hit today when back up quarterbacks Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith decided to leave the program to pursue other opportunities.

Obviously this is ‘news’ as its two players – from the same position – deciding to up and leave, seemingly out of nowhere. The timing is also off as they’re choosing to do so before the third scrimmage of fall, when depth chart decisions are made.

Rumors have swirled that true freshman A.J. Highsmith was moving up to second string quarterback – which would make logistical sense regarding the timing. Still, this really is much ado about nothing… beside the lack of depth.

Cook was given a fair shake during spring and fall, while Smith sat out 2008 with an injury and has seen limited action in practice the past two years. The starting job was Harris’ to lose and with no signs of that happening, as well as the potential #12 will start for Miami through the 2011 season, the back ups are looking for greener pastures and immediate playing time.

A tough situation as there are so many angles and vantage points – quarterback, teammates, coaches, parents of said players. On one hand, a situation like this makes you wonder what the word ‘commitment’ means anymore. If instant results aren’t there for a player, they’re ready to run – looking for what they think is the next sure-fire opportunity.

You have to wonder about their parents. As seen with Robert Marve, his daddy and his high school coach, they question then arises – who is doing the pushing? Who is in that 19-year old’s ear, advising or pulling his strings?

Both Cook and Smith have left Miami in a lurch… should Harris go down injured. Especially Cook, who seemed to be learning the offense and was a legit threat to take over the number two spot come fall. That said, it’s his life – as it’s Smith’s – and how can you fault a man for following his heart and doing what he needs to do? Teammates are teammates and the team is the team, but at day’s end people have to do what is individually best for them – whether that means transferring two weeks before the season opener or skipping that senior season to chase those NFL dollars.

Stephen Morris of Pace has already committed to Miami for 2010 and it’s safe to say Shannon and staff will now turn their recruiting focus to another quarterback (or two) by February. Interesting to see who winds up at The U as a result of these transfers and where that future Miami quarterback’s career goes. For all anyone knows, the loss of Cook and Smith might open the door for the Canes next Heisman winner.

Take it all in stride, people.

Regarding those blaming Shannon, let’s take a moment to address that claim. Harris is a true sophomore. Smith is a redshirt sophomore, Cook a redshirt freshman and Highsmith a highly-touted true freshman. Poor recruiting on the part of Larry Coker left Miami – and Shannon – in this lurch. Had Coker brought on a Pat Devlin, Derek Shaw, Daniel Stegall or Nick Fanuzzi, the lack of depth at quarterback wouldn’t be where it’s at today and there wouldn’t be such a logjam with freshmen and sophomores at the position.

I saw a thread on a message board talking about Southern Cal’s ability to build depth at quarterback and pot shots at Shannon for the fact Cook and Smith packed their bags.

Really? Someone wants to play the Trojans card? A program 59-4 over the past five seasons when the Canes posted a 37-25 record over the same span? Anybody and everybody wanted to play for USC these past several years – like Miami circa 2000-2003.

Aaron Corp is slated to be ‘the guy’ when back from injury. Corp is a junior and is battling it out with true freshman Matt Barkley. Should Corp hang on for two years, Barkley could redshirt and would still see three full seasons as a redshirt sophomore in 2011.

Mitch Mustain transferred in from Arkansas and hasn’t seen much action his one year in Los Angeles (16 attempts in six games) and he enters his senior season. Garrett Green is another senior with one career completion, which happens when you back up John David Booty and Mark Sanchez. John Manoogian is a sophomore who’s never seen a lick of action.

Five quarterbacks at USC completely staggered out from freshmen to seniors thanks to winning ball games, stellar recruiting, solid depth and rolling on as a well-oiled machine that’s only lost four-games since 2005… all while UM has been sucking wind and had four quarterbacks, none older than a true sophomore.

Great analogy comparing Miami’s quarterback woes to the success of Southern Cal and blaming a head coach whose been on the job no more than two full seasons.

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