Miami Hurricanes freshman quarterback reportedly transferring from program

Former national prep star Jarren Williams, pegged as the Miami Hurricanes’ potential quarterback of the future, is transferring, according to a report on Wednesday from 247Sports.com.

On Thursday morning, after declining to give any details about the matter on Wednesday, coach Mark Richt was on WQAM and was asked again if he could give an update on the Williams situation.

“I’m not going to comment on that one right now,’’ Richt replied. “We’re aware of what’s up but we’re not going to make any comments on that.’’

WQAM host Joe Rose asked Richt if there was any chance that Williams will stay at Miami and if the report is wrong.

“We’ll see what happens,’’ Richt said, adding later in the interview that Williams “is a great kid and we love him.”

UM is trying to convince Williams to stay, but the Canes are leaving Saturday for New York in advance of the Dec. 27 Pinstripe Bowl and likely need to know by Friday if Williams is traveling with them.”

When reached on Wednesday by the Miami Herald, one associate of Williams said in writing he could not discuss the report. Another associate said he did not know.

When approached by the Herald after practice Wednesday, Williams, escorted by quarterbacks coach Jon Richt, did not answer when told, “There’s a report you’re transferring. Is that true?”

UM coach Mark Richt said regarding Williams during his Wednesday evening news conference, “I’m not ready to make a comment on that right now. So you can ask and I’ll have the same answer, but at this point I don’t have a comment on that.’’

He added that UM is still open to sign a quarterback, whether it’s any type of transfer or current high school player.

The Hurricanes do not have a quarterback committed in the current signing class for 2019, though they’ve tried to get one. The early signing period began Wednesday and continues through Friday, Dec. 21, with another signing period for 2019 beginning Feb. 6.

Williams did participate in practice on campus Wednesday as the team prepared to face the Wisconsin Badgers in the bowl. Williams threw passes in the quarterback rotation and also stood on the sideline calling in signals.

Williams only played in one game this season against the FCS Savannah State Tigers as a reserve behind Malik Rosier and N’Kosi Perry, allowing him to use this season as a redshirt year, although he could have played in four games and still redshirted and retained four more years of eligibility.

Williams completed 1 of 3 passes for 17 yards this season, and ran for a 2-yard touchdown on his only carry. At Central Gwinnett in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Williams threw for more than 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns with only four interceptions as a senior. A four-star prospect, Williams was the No. 77 overall player and No. 5 pro-style quarterback in the 247Sports composite rankings for the Class of 2018.

Per NCAA rules, he would likely have to sit out a season should he transfer.

Williams’ transfer would leave Miami with only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, both redshirt freshmen who served suspensions this season. Rosier, a redshirt senior, has graduated and will have his eligibility expire after the Pinstripe Bowl.

Williams was also suspended for one game against the Virginia Tech Hokies. Perry served a one-game suspension in the opener against the LSU Tigers and Cade Weldon served a four-game suspension in the middle of the season.

Steve Wiltfong, the 247Sports national recruiting writer for the Midwest, first reported Williams’ intention to transfer.

This story was originally published December 19, 2018 at 3:56 PM.