Diaz: Quarterbacks showing more poise in 2nd scrimmage

CORAL GABLES —

Hurricanes coach Manny Diaz made it clear last week: Miami’s first scrimmage of the spring wasn’t exactly a memorable exercise.

Miami’s players — who have been practicing inside because UM’s practice fields are being resodded — struggled in the outdoor conditions. The offensive line, decimated by injuries, struggled to find consistency and give the offense time to work.

And the Hurricanes’ quarterbacks weren’t exactly at their best.

But a week later, during the Hurricanes’ open scrimmage Saturday at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami, Diaz said he felt things were better, particularly for N’Kosi Perry, Jarren Williams and Tate Martell, the trio of quarterbacks competing to be the Hurricanes’ starter this season.

“What was pleasing to us is from where we were a week ago, it was night and day. I think offensively we all made a big stride going forward. I just thought the quarterback play was much more poised,” Diaz said during a radio appearance Monday morning.

During Saturday’s scrimmage, Perry and Williams put up rather similar numbers, while Martell — a transfer from Ohio State — lagged a bit behind in terms of his completion percentKai-Leon age.

Perry, the lone quarterback on the roster with significant college experience, started the scrimmage with Miami’s No. 1 offense.

The redshirt sophomore, who made six starts last year and appeared in 11 games, was 9 of 15 for 78 yards, according to UM. Williams, who appeared in one game last season, was 7 of 12 for 79 yards with a touchdown, a late completion to early enrollee Jeremiah Payton which drew oohs and aahs from the crowd after Payton stayed with the play to make the catch even as the ball was deflected.

Martell, meanwhile, was 4 of 11 for 78 yards with an interception.

Was any of that what Diaz wants to see come August? No. But, it was better than a week earlier when Miami’s offense was barely able to get some plays off during the Hurricanes’ first scrimmage.

One reason Diaz said he felt the offense was more effective? The play of the line, which did give up some sacks, but was better than it was a week ago, even after having to move junior Navaughn Donaldson to center in the wake of an injury to Corey Gaynor.

The Hurricanes’ first offensive line on Saturday featured DJ Scaife at left tackle, redshirt sophomore Zalon’tae Hillery at left guard, Donaldson at center, redshirt freshman John Campbell at right guard and redshirt sophomore Herbert at right tackle.

“It’s spring and we’re missing a couple guys. But again, there’s just a difference in the competitiveness level. That’s really the big thing that we’ve been kind of harping on all spring, but for sure all Saturday,” Diaz said Monday.

“That unit is starting to develop some confidence, which really was one thing that we felt would be a major goal for us this spring, to get those guys thinking like big-time players again.”

The Hurricanes, who are set to wrap up spring drills this week, will practice Tuesday and Thursday before their final scrimmage Saturday at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.