Miami Football Faces Uncertainty with Quarterback Carson Beck’s Recovery

MIAMI, Fla. — Miami‘s spring football practice is nearing its conclusion, yet the Hurricanes wait for quarterback Carson Beck to join his teammates on the field. Beck, who transferred from Georgia, is still recovering from a season-ending UCL injury he sustained during the SEC Championship Game.

Head coach Mario Cristobal remains optimistic about Beck’s progress. “Everything is ahead of schedule, and we’re excited about his football IQ and understanding of the game,” Cristobal said. “There’s just a natural presence about him, but I’ll save all that talk for when he’s actually practicing.”

Beck opted for the transfer portal instead of entering the NFL Draft, surprising fans after a season where he completed 3,485 passing yards, threw 28 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. His performance last season saw a decline compared to his earlier campaign, where he recorded a completion rate of 72.4% – a drop to 64.7% this past season.

As spring practices commence, Beck’s inability to participate fully raises concerns about timing and chemistry-building with teammates. Ian Coleman, a Miami podcast host, highlighted the importance of Beck participating in throwing sessions, saying, “Not concerned now. He’s on track for his timeline for recovery.”

Cameron Underwood, a Miami reporter, echoed a cautious optimism, specifying that lingering concerns may arise if Beck is not able to participate in fall camp. “I would like for him to be able to have some reps…until we get to official camp, I’m good; so I would say probably another three and a half months from today,” he remarked.

Miami has invested significantly in Beck, with $4 million in NIL money at stake. Ensuring he is healthy is crucial for the team’s overall success. The Hurricanes are undergoing a significant reshuffle in their receiving corps, with players like Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George leaving for the NFL.

Despite this, Underwood is confident about Miami’s offensive line capabilities for the upcoming season, calling it one of the best in the country. “We’re gonna have one of the best offensive lines of the country, period,” he stated. “That helps out your running game, and new receivers give hope.”

Among those receivers is Ray Ray Joseph, a four-star recruit with experience from the previous season, accumulating 110 yards on 12 receptions. Joseph noted the guidance he received from Restrepo on separating from defenders and finding open space on the field.

True freshman Malachi Toney is also showing promise, leading his high school team to success and making significant contributions during his time. “He’s already flashing some playmaking ability,” Underwood remarked. However, he flagged that whether the Hurricanes look for additional receiver talent hinges on the performance of Joseph and Toney during practices.

With such pivotal decisions on the horizon, Miami coaches and fans alike await the progression of Carson Beck’s recovery as well as the development of their young and dynamic receiving corps.