If there was such a thing as a winner in the fallout from University of Miami football scandal, some might say it was Stephen Morris.
Once locked in a tense quarterback competition, Morris has been named the starter and leader of the Canes for now.
"I know I'm ready and I know this offense is ready," Morris said Thursday.
UM opens the season Monday against ACC foe Maryland on the road and missing arguably its top five players due to suspensions following allegations of impermissible benefits handed out by convicted Ponzi schemer Nevin Shapiro.
Jacory Harris, who was vying for the starting spot with Morris, will miss the game for his role in the scandal.
But the QB battle doesn't appear to have soured the two teammates relationship.
"The competition has just helped me and Jacory in so many ways - motivation, confidence - every aspect of quarterback that you can think of," Morris said.
Canes fans are hoping that translates into a W against the Terps. A win would quiet scandal talk, at least temporarily, and a good showing might solidify Morris as starter.
UM players and coaches have been careful about what they say about the NCAA investigation into Shapiro's claims that he provided cash and gifts to 72 current and former players.
The family of DeQuan Jones, who plays for the basketball team, denied allegations that Shapiro gave them $10,000 to secure his commitment to the school, the Miami Herald reported.
Morris said that despite the eight suspensions of key players, the team is still confident and ready to respond to the adversity.
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"Right, you know, we can't let the outside interfere with what we've got to do. So whatever people say is what they're going to say," Morris said. "We know what we got to do on the field. We just got to bounce back from everything people are saying."
