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Miami Backup QB Harris Acclimating To New Role

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The Associated Press

Published: September 23, 2008

CORAL GABLES - A few weeks ago, Miami backup QB Jacory Harris wasn't completely convinced that the Hurricanes' plan to have two players splitting time under center this year would work.

He's a believer now.

One of the dominant themes for Miami this season is to play freshmen at many positions, building depth that simply wasn't there a season ago. And Harris - Florida's top high school player in 2007, leading Miami Northwestern to its second straight state Class 6A title - is experiencing life as a backup for the first time, spending most of game days watching redshirt freshman Robert Marve (Plant High) run the Hurricanes' offense.

"I'm starting to get more comfortable with it," said Harris, who was 30-0 as a high school starter and was one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in the country a year ago. "At first, I was kind of like, 'Dang, will I ever have a chance to really get into a groove, or will I make one mistake and then not be able to showcase my skills again?'

"But now I'm realizing, it's best for the team, and whatever the team needs, I'm a team player."

Harris made a quick impression this season, completing 16 of 26 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown, plus running for a 30-yard score, in Miami's 52-7 win against Charleston Southern in Week 1 - a game Marve missed while serving a one-game suspension.

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