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Miami Player Profile: Ryan Williams

In an effort to keep even the most hardcore Miami fan up to date on their favorite players, SOTU will be running a Player Profile series. In these posts, our writers will profile two players from each position that they think should get more face time. They will recap their previous year, or in some cases, preview what may be to come. That way, when the season get's here, you hopefully will have a new found love for the team on the field.

By Jerry Steinberg
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport

Ryan Williams

Senior - QB - 6'6 225 - Pembroke Pines, Fl (Miramar H.S.)

Williams completed 22/32 passes last season for 369 yards with 3/1 TD/INT, mostly in mop up time.

As a freshman at Memphis way back in 2010, completed 56.9% of his attempts for 2,075 yards and 13 TDS/10 INTs in 10 starts.

Has patiently waited behind Stephen Morris the past two seasons to, and appeared on his way to finally getting his shot before tearing his ACL during the spring.

Underwent successful surgery on April 9, and his recovery has gone so well there has even been some talk he could be ready for the opener.

Whenever Williams is healthy, look for him to take over as the starting QB, as his combination of accuracy, experience, size, and  touch give the 'Canes their best chance to win.

Is not a particularly mobile QB, and does not possess the same arm strength as Morris, but given UM's talent at the skill positions might actually has a better suited skill set for what Miami needs in a signal caller.

Here's a look at some of what he can do (good and bad) in game action from last season Vs USF:

Summary: Williams is not your prototypical NFL 1st round draft pick type of QB. But he can do more than enough to be a good college QB.  He gets rid of the ball quickly when needed, and makes nice reads for the most part. I don't like how he throws when his feet aren't set, but behind a good O line he can definitely move an offense. I am not a physician, but I don't see him coming back by Labor Day. The conservative estimate for his return is more likely Week 4 Vs Nebraska.  Until then Jake Heaps/Kevin Olsen will likely keep the seat warm.  At that point, with the exception of the Louisville opener, UM will not have played any ACC foes.  So if this prognostication is correct, Williams will still have time to lead the Hurricanes to a Coastal Division Crown, and a berth in the ACC Championship Game. When he gets back to full strength, 2,000 + yards and 12-15 TD's are very much within his grasp. More importantly he should give Miami its' best chance at victory in any game he starts.