Morris Ahead in Canes' QB Competition

Stephen Morris has taken the lead in the Miami Hurricanes' quarterback derby. UM released its first depth chart of training camp Monday, and Morris' name was atop the list of quarterbacks under three weeks away from the first game of the 2012 season.

Despite missing spring practice while recovering from back surgery, Morris has been the better passer in training camp, besting Memphis transfer Ryan Williams. Head coach Al Golden told the Miami Herald Monday that Morris' speedy recovery has surpassed expectations. "I am surprised at Stephen's conditioning and strength level," he said.

"I thought there would be more of a gradual integration. But there really hasn't. He's been all-in every practice to the point where I had to sit him. His conditioning, his core, everything is holding up really well."

Williams put up a good fight, completing "over 78 percent" of his passes in training camp. "They've been really competitive," Golden said of the two quarterbacks.

Morris, a junior, has completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,523 yards, 7 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his Miami career. He started four games as a freshman while Jacory Harris recovered from a concussion, and one more as a sophomore while Harris served a suspension.

Williams led the Canes' scout team in 2011, and started almost every game in 2010 for a 2-9 Memphis squad. He completed 57 percent of his passes for 2,075 yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The only other major change on the depth chart came at cornerback, where Brandon McGee retained his starting spot over freshman Tracy Howard.

Offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson is not listed on the depth chart. After missing the opening weekend to attend the funeral of a childhood friend, he sustained a concussion in a car accident. "I'm just glad to still be alive," he told the Herald Monday.

Henderson is attending another funeral in Minnesota this week, Golden said. "We're trying to get him back," Golden said. "He's 12 practices behind, which is difficult."

UM begins the 2012 season on September 1 with a trip to Boston College.

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