Canes backup QB accepts challenge
CORAL GABLES (AP) – For the first time in what seems like forever, there’s no preseason quarterback controversy at Miami.
Taylor Cook is fine with that.
The 6-foot-7 Cook, whose father served in the Texas Legislature for 12 years before devoting more time to the family farming business, is content in his role as Jacory Harris’ backup for the Hurricanes. There’s no plans to utilize the two-quarterback system that Miami used in 2008 either, meaning Cook will be asked to go into each game prepared to play, but with no promises.
“I’m getting as many mental reps as I can, going through scenarios in my head, what could happen, what may happen,” said Cook, a redshirt freshman. “I’m working hard and knowing that I’ll get in whenever. You never know when it’ll happen.”
Cook won the No. 2 job over Cannon Smith during spring practice, and that was a competition that the Hurricanes didn’t take lightly. Besides Harris, who started two games in 2008 but played in every other, game behind Robert Marve (who since transferred to Purdue), Miami doesn’t have anyone else who’s taken a collegiate snap from center.
Since Harris is coming off a shoulder injury, keeping Cook sharp – even just in case – is a top Miami priority this summer.
“Numbers make a big difference in what you do on your football team and how you handle certain things,” Miami coach Randy Shannon said. “Taylor knows that all the time, no matter what happens, if he goes out and has a bad practice he’s got Cannon Smith and (A.J.) Highsmith right behind him. … Guys understand that every day, you’ve got to get better.”
With size and strength, throwing the ball isn’t a problem for Cook. Coaches and players alike rave about his arm strength, which Cook put on display often last season while running Miami’s scout team.
Instead, his biggest challenge at Miami has been improving his footwork, something Harris has even worked with him on. Much like last year, when Harris and Marve picked each other’s brains, Harris wants his new understudy to be ready.
“He’s got to be,” Harris said. “You never know in this game.”