Camp is nine days away, so we’re breaking down the depth chart for each position group. Let’s start at the top with quarterback.
THE STARTER
Cam Ward
The Washington State transfer is the unquestioned leader of the team and one of the best players in the nation. In 2023, he completed 67% of his passes for 3,736 yards (7.7 YPA), 25 TDs and 7 INTs. His yardage total would have broken Bernie Kosar’s nearly forty-year old record, and he only had a 1.9% interception rate (19th in the nation). For comparison, Tyler Van Dyke’s interception percentage (3.6%) ranked outside the Top 100. However, Ward was second nationally in fumbles (11).
While his fumbling limits him as a runner, his eight TDs on the ground provide another dimension in the red zone for a Miami offense that struggled inside the 20. Ward, who grew up 55 miles southwest of Houston, has also drawn raves internally for his leadership, which was a criticism of Van Dyke both inside and outside the Hecht.
Ward excelled in Pullman despite an offensive line that ranked 95th nationally in sack percentage and a running game that finished 132nd. Miami projects as a Top 25 team in both categories.
THE NEXT MEN UP
Reese Poffenbarger
I personally had Poffenbarger as the second-best QB in spring, and he took the most reps with the 2s. But this is nowhere near a consensus and the battle for #2 will rage throughout August.
Poffenbarger was the most productive QB in the FCS last year, leading that level in passing yards (3,614 yards) and passing TDs (36). He led an undermanned Albany Danes squad to the FCS semifinals with his gunslinging style of play. Unlike many FCS quarterbacks who win with accuracy and below-average physical tools, Poffenbarger has ACC-level arm strength and is a quick-twitch athlete. This helps him compensate for his lack of height (6’0). He does have a strong build at 210 pounds and is a capable runner (6 TDs).
Poffenbarger was not shy in spring, regularly challenging the defense deep and taking chances. His aggressive style frequently resulted in penalties and big plays, but he also made several turnover-worthy throws. This is consistent with his Albany stats (13 INTs last year) and his film.
The biggest advantage Poffenbarger has in the backup QB battle is his athleticism. A multisport athlete from the DMV area, Poffenbarger was able to consistently escape the pocket and get throws off under pressure on Greentree.
His arm strength and athleticism rate ahead of his accuracy (58.6% last year). He reminds me former Cane QB Malik Rosier, who won on athleticism, arm strength and toughness despite a stockier frame and accuracy issues (career 53% passer).
Emory Williams
There are several in the building who believe Emory Williams is the next man up. The 6’5, 220-pounder from the Panhandle combines elite size with off-the-charts intangibles. He is beloved inside the building and showed tremendous physical and mental toughness when forced into duty against Clemson and Florida State. Williams was generally able to execute a pared-down playbook and give his team a chance to win those games. However, his yards-per-attempt (6.6) reflects the conservative nature of those gameplans. On the season, he completed 62% of his passes for 470 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT.
Williams is accurate in a clean pocket, but lacks fluid athleticism and twitch when forced off his spot. It’s a similar story with his velocity- more than adequate when his feet are set, but drops off significantly when forced to move. However, he provides a safer option than Poffenbarger in terms of protecting the ball.
DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYERS
Judd Anderson
Nobody in the room has better pure physical tools than Anderson. The 6’6, 220-pounder showcased surprising fluidity and foot quickness on Greentree, befitting of his background as a 19 ppg, 16 rpg double-double machine on the hardwood. He also has a smooth delivery.
However, there is a reason he's listed in the developmental category. Anderson was a big man, not a point guard, and the biggest question on the football field is his ability to process and make quick decisions. Anderson played in a Wing-T offense as a sophomore at Ridgeland (Ga.) before transferring to Jones as a junior. He struggled with consistency (57%, 15 TDs and 13 INTs) but showed enough tools to earn Miami and Georgia Tech offers. He transferred to Warner Robins during his senior season and flourished, throwing for 2,917 yards, 30 TDs and 7 INTs (73.6%) while rushing for three more against big-time competition.
Anderson is a classic boom-or-bust prospect. The tools are there and the production is trending int he right direction. But three schools in three years is a red flag. He showed flashes in spring but had unusually limited reps, as he played behind four scholarship quarterbacks (Jacurri Brown has since transferred). He threw some impressive touchdowns (often to Robby Washington) but also had blunders, such as missing late outside in the spring game and giving up a pick six. He is reputed to be a hard worker, so the hope he is will continue to progress with increased reps in August.
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/14187056/6565d55806614005242fdfd6
CONCLUSION
This is one of the better quarterback rooms in recent Miami history. This position always starts at the top, and Miami has a premier player in Cam Ward. And they have two backups who started and won big games last year.
The one area lacking is a clear heir apparent. The two backups have physical limitations, and Anderson is raw. But this may be less of a concern in the Transfer Portal era. The short-term is strong and Miami is banking on significant improvement from last year.
