If University of Miami starting quarterback Jacory Harris needs to be replaced this season, opponents will be looking up at his backup. Taylor Cook is a 6-7, 235-pounder who can throw a football 70 yards.

But don't count on it happening too often.

Cook, a redshirt freshman, probably will be used sparingly.

How important is the backup in UM's new, one-quarterback system?

``It's not that important until they have to play,'' offensive coordinator Mark Whipple said. ``The best players play, and the object is to win the game. If they took the scoreboard down and we went out there just to have fun, I'd let everybody play. And then we'd go back to intramurals.''

Whipple, who also is the Hurricanes' quarterbacks coach, said he gives the backups repetitions in practice and teaches them ``on every level.''

``We spend a lot of time with them, and I try to do it more one-on-one,'' Whipple said. ``Right now the backup doesn't have to play. If we're winning by a lot, that's different. It's better than losing by a lot, but it could mean the same thing, as far as backups go. You make those decisions at that point.''

UM employed a two-quarterback system in 2008, with Harris the backup to former starter Robert Marve, who has since transferred to Purdue. Cook was on the scout team with fellow reserve Cannon Smith.

Smith got a taste of college ball in last season's opener against Charleston Southern. He completed his lone pass for 2 yards and ran once for another 2 yards. He is listed as a sophomore this season.

The newest quarterback is freshman A.J. Highsmith, the son of former UM great Alonzo Highsmith. A.J. Highsmith has been doing well in fall camp and has taken his share of snaps with the second team, according to insiders.

For now, however, it's the big guy who seems to have the backup position secured. In the first fall scrimmage, Cook scored on a naked bootleg. In the second scrimmage Friday, Cook and the other backups were challenged even more, UM coach Randy Shannon said.

``We kind of made it live on the No. 2 quarterbacks in the scrimmage,'' Shannon said. ``They felt the pressure; they felt the hits. We're trying to get them ready. That's all you can do.''

At 6-8, tight end Jimmy Graham is someone with whom Cook sees eye to eye.

``It's definitely an advantage for Cookie,'' Graham said Sunday evening. ``Usually I'm looking over everybody, and then I see Cookie. He sees right over the line, and it especially helps for those crossing routes or those short routes to the running back.

``He has a great arm. Big kid who has a slingshot. He's learning and improving every day.''

TEXAS ROOTS

Cook, from Eagle Lake, Texas, is the son of rice farmer Robby Cook, who served 12 years as a member of the Texas House of Representatives.

Taylor Cook was a quarterback and a second-team All-State punter at Rice Consolidated High. He completed 103 of 214 passes for 1,598 yards and 19 touchdowns (with nine interceptions) as a senior.

He also rushed for 512 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Last spring, Cook said he needed to work on getting rid of the ball quicker. He said he loves competition -- ``my drive is insane'' -- and accepts his role as being one injury away from taking over. With Harris' formerly separated right shoulder still in the back of everyone's mind, Cook knows he could get the nod at any time.

``I'll be ready if my name is called because that's what a backup quarterback's job is to do -- be ready,'' Cook said recently. ``It makes me focused and more competitive.''

Coaches have been mostly vague during fall camp about UM's quarterbacks, not giving much insight. When Whipple first got to Miami, he described Cook as having ``good presence'' and being ``a little more athletic than you'd expect. He's made some plays on the run, outside the pocket.'' Whipple said in March that Cook ``has got to spin it a little better at times on the touch pass.''

UM's starter, who is 6-4 and 190 pounds, said Cook ``is more athletic than people think.

``Taylor Cook is a good quarterback,'' said Harris, who roomed with Cook over the summer and learned to play golf with Cook's help. ``Taylor has a strong arm. He can make certain plays I can't. He towers over a lot of people, and that's something that helps him a lot.''

`JUST KEEP PRESSING'

Cook said he will continue to work hard in preparation for his first opportunity.

``Sometimes your body is sore and tired, but you just keep pressing,'' he said, ``Jacory is doing well, and we help each other with reads. If he misses something, I tell him. If I miss something, he tells me.''

As for Highsmith, Cook said he was excelling.

``Good kid,'' he said with a smile. ``He's from Texas. He has to be a good kid.''