This is the start of what will likely be an extended -- and utterly predictable -- football soap opera playing out at The U.
Instead of bringing it on and competing with Georgia transfer Justin Fields for the starting job, Tate Martell hightailed it out of Ohio State earlier this offseason and ultimately landed at Miami not long after. Granted immediate eligibility with the Hurricanes, and seen as a slight favorite to win the starting job, Martell instead saw Jarren Williams stake his claim as QB1 as Manny Diaz named the redshirt freshman the Hurricanes’ starter Monday morning.
“As we move into preparation for the Florida game we will continue the competition to determine who will serve as the backup quarterback,” the head coach said of the battle for the No. 2 job between Martell and incumbent N’Kosi Perry.
The only problem with that part of the under-center competition? 247Sports.com is reporting that Martell didn’t practice with the team Monday.
No reason was given for Martell’s non-participation, which came after he was informed he wouldn’t be the starter. Thus far, U-M officials have declined to discuss the reason or reasons behind Martell’s reported absence.
For now, even as it’ll be a question that continues to linger in the days (weeks?) to come, Martell is still a part of the football team.
With regard to the capable @Andrew_Ivins reporting that Martell didn't practice today, UM tells me tonight that Martell remains on UM's roster and will be attending team meeting tonight
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 13, 2019
Martell was a four-star member of OSU’s 2017 recruiting class, rated as the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in the country. After redshirting as a true freshman, Martell threw for 269 yards and a touchdown on 23-of-28 passing this past season while also running for another 128 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.