TAMPA -- University of Miami coach Randy Shannon likes the idea that, whenever he feels inclined to check on quarterbacks Robert Marve or Jacory Harris, he usually doesn't need to go looking in separate places.

''You see one, you see the other,'' Shannon said.

Hurricanes fans probably ought to keep that in mind, too.

Shannon confirmed Thursday what many had expected since spring drills -- no matter who wins the starting job, both Marve and Harris will see game action.

''No matter which quarterback we name, we're [still] going to play the other one,'' Shannon said to a gathering of football writers from across the state.

Shannon stressed that he doesn't want a platoon situation. But with no quarterback on the roster who has taken a snap in a college game, it's crucial to make sure both get experience.

''We need depth at every position, and that's the one position we feel like we don't have depth at,'' Shannon said.

``We can't go into the season not getting the other guy some experience and then have something unforeseen happen, like you all see in football. Then we're starting all over again.''

Harris, who led Miami Northwestern to the Class 6A crown last year, and freshman Marve both showed glimpses of proficiency during UM's spring game, but not enough to establish a clear front-runner.

That leaves Shannon and offensive coordinator Patrick Nix to sort out their second quarterback derby in as many seasons since Shannon was elevated to the top job.

Last season, Kyle Wright and Kirby Freeman battled for the starting job until Wright developed a sore knee a week before the opener. Freeman opened as starter, Wright reclaimed the job by Week 3, and both endured awful seasons in UM's 5-7 calamity -- each with more interceptions than touchdown passes.

Shannon, though, sees a different dynamic in the Marve/Harris battle. Rather than two veterans out to salvage their college careers, the new duo has attacked the problem together.

''They go out together, they're watching film together, they're communicating,'' the coach said. ``That's one thing that I like about these guys. They know that no matter who's going to be quarterback, they're both going to be part of something special.''

Marve, who redshirted last year after breaking his hand in a preseason auto accident, threw for 48 touchdowns in leading Tampa Plant to a state title in 2006. Harris had 49 TD passes in Northwestern's championship season last year. Each took home Florida's ''Mr. Football'' designation.

Also in the mix is Cannon Smith, another true freshman from Memphis. However, most of Shannon's comments Thursday were centered on Marve and Harris.

Asked what quality will play the biggest role in his decision, Shannon cited game management.

''One thing about quarterbacks that are successful is they're not trying to put it all on themselves,'' he said. ``They get it to the guys that can make plays for them. It may be a 2-yard route that turns into an 80-yard gain by a guy making three guys miss.''

• Shannon confirmed defensive lineman Courtney Harris will sit out the 2008 season after tearing his Achilles' tendon in June. Allen Bailey, meanwhile, remains slowed by a pectoral injury but could be ready to start the season.

• The coach also said ''about six'' incoming freshman have yet to get their paperwork through the NCAA clearinghouse.

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