Like any other college football team, the Miami Hurricanes need to establish a definitive backup quarterback.
Cam Ward is the unquestioned leader for the Canes. He’s a fifth-year senior transfer from Washington State expected to help the team compete for the ACC football title and a shot at the College Football Playoff.
According to CFB Stats, his 2023 statistics give credence to why Miami is happy to have him transfer in as a graduate student. 323 of 485, 66.6%, 3,736 yards, 7.7 yards per attempt, 25 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.
Imagine what Ward will do with all the weapons Miami possesses this season. He has a chance to head to New York and be among the Heisman Trophy finalists. There's the other side of possibilities, too.
What if Ward must leave the lineup for even a few critical series during any one of the road games, especially against Florida or Louisville? How about missing time versus Florida State inside Hard Rock Stadium?
Whatever time Ward might miss, the backup must have a chance to be successful. 6-foot-5 and 220-pound sophomore Emory Williams will likely be the best choice going by history. As a reminder, he did start against Clemson during the comeback overtime win. He also went into an even more difficult situation as the starter.
Starting and playing well at Florida State last season certainly continues to earn him respect from his teammates, Mario Cristobal , the UM coaching staff, and fans. From playing in five games, here are Williams’ 2023 statistics.
44 of 71, 62%, 6.6 yards per attempt, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception, according to CFB Stats.
While the likelihood is probably good that Williams finishes Miami’s fall camp as the backup quarterback, redshirt sophomore Reese Poffenbarger is a Transfer Portal addition from Albany who could play if needed. At 6-foot and 210 pounds, he knows success at the college level before suiting up as a Hurricane.
Utilizing the University of Albany Athletic’s page, Poffenbarger’s 2023 statistics include playing in 15 games. Throwing four touchdown passes five different times, Poffenbarger’s totals include completing 277 of 472, 58.7%, 36 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He comes to UM after leading the FCS in yards and touchdowns.
There’s also freshman quarterback Judd Anderson entering his first full season for The U. At 6-foot-7 and 225 pounds, he’s a traditional pocket passer coming in from Gray (Ga.) Warner Robins, one of the best programs in the Peach State. He’s likely to redshirt this season as he continues to learn the Miami offense led by offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson .
In the unfortunate event that Ward misses even a little bit of game action, the Miami offense should be good with either Williams or Poffenbarger taking over.
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