QB Morris will be limited in spring practices
by: Steve Gorten February 28th, 2012 | 6:32 PM
CORAL GABLES — Junior quarterback Stephen Morris, the favorite to win the Hurricanes’ starting job this fall, will be limited during spring football practices, UM confirmed Tuesday.
InsideTheU.com first reported Tuesday, citing multiple sources, that Morris underwent back surgery, and consequently, will be allowed to throw, but is unlikely to participate in contact drills at all this spring. UM would not confirm that Morris had surgery. Morris is expected to meet with the media on Thursday.
Miami will start spring practice on Saturday morning. The Spring Game will be April 14 at Sun Life Stadium.
This shouldn’t impact Morris’ chances of winning the starting job for 2012. Coach Al Golden didn’t name a starter between Morris and Jacory Harris after an open competition last spring, and likely wouldn’t have named Morris, redshirt sophomore transfer Ryan Williams or freshmen Preston Dewey and Gray Crow the starter after this spring had there not been this development either.
What’s positive for the Hurricanes is that Dewey and Crow both enrolled early in January, so even with Morris limited, there will be three quarterbacks at full-strength this spring. The two freshmen should benefit from the extra reps, too.
The starting job ultimately will be won based on performances in preseason camp this fall — not in the spring when the team is also thin on receivers.
Morris made four starts in 2010 and started the season opener at Maryland last year. He has completed 56.8 percent of his passes for 1,523 yards, seven touchdowns and interceptions in 11 career games.
http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_college_hurricanes/2012/02/report-morris-will-be-limited-in-spring-after-back-surgery.html