Randy Shannon Talks QB Controversy and This and That

Avoider of conflict Randy Shannon

All quotes via The Miami Herald

Things are starting to look up for the Miami Hurricanes. A week after losing starting quarterback Jacory Harris to a serious concussion at Virginia, Miami rebounded with a 26-20, last-second home victory to perennial conference power [in basketball] Maryland, and is now riding high on a 1-game winning streak going into this weekend’s road test against Georgia Tech.

The unlikely star of Saturday’s comeback was true freshman quarterback Stephen Morris, who showcased superior arm strength and an unshakeable demeanor with his 35-yard, game-winning touchdown pass to Leonard Hankerson with 37 seconds left. Morris, in his first career start, finished with 286 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions on 18 of 30 passing.

The promising newcomer left the field to teammate chants of “Our quarterback” and the next morning appeared on the front page of the Miami Herald under the headline, “A NEW HERO.”

“I’d seen him on scout team every day so I already knew what kind of character he had, what kind of quarterback he was,” said senior defensive end Allen Bailey. “He made those throws all week in practice. He’s composed. He’s calm under pressure.”

Head coach Randy Shannon echoed Bailey’s sentiments, saying, “Don’t tell him he’s impressive. He had a good performance, not impressive.”

Capitalizing on this unexpected wave of momentum, Shannon was quick to reassure fans that Harris, a junior, will get his starting job back as soon as he is healthy enough to play.

“You don’t lose your job because of one game,” Shannon said, allaying fears that Harris isn’t good.

It is still unclear, though, if Harris – who’s thrown for 14 touchdowns [and 11 INT on 53% completions] – will be ready for Georgia Tech.

“I will not know until the medical staff tells me,” Shannon said. “Until the medical staff clears him, Jacory will be out.”

“If the medical staff never clears him, Jacory will not play,” he added for clarification.

It is apparent for now that there is no quarterback controversy, and in fact, the matter was not broached by any of the nettlesome reporters who typically prevent Shannon from doing his job by asking question.

Still, when not asked by anybody where Morris stands in relation to Harris, Shannon said, “Stop trying to start a quarterback controversy, and this and that, because you guys will.”

When pressed to comment on the 18-year-old’s performance, Shannon said that Morris is “a good person,” but did imply that good people necessarily make good starting quarterbacks.

“Like I said, stop trying to start a quarterback controversy, and this and that, because you guys will,” Shannon reiterated.

The Hurricanes are already bowl eligible at 6-3 and only two games out of the ACC Coastal Division lead. In recognition of his team’s play, coach Shannon has been named one of the 15 semifinalists for the inaugural Joseph V. Paterno Coach of the Year Award.

The award will be presented Dec. 18, possibly conflicting with Miami’s bowl game.

- Robbie