Emory Williams Shines in Miami Spring Game as Carson Beck Recovers From Elbow Surgery

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As the Miami Hurricanes closed out spring football with their annual Spring Game at Hard Rock Stadium, all eyes were supposed to be on Carson Beck. The former Georgia Bulldog and highly touted quarterback transfer was expected to take the reins of the offense this fall, bringing with him a résumé that includes SEC Championship experience and a polished passing pedigree.

But with Beck sidelined after undergoing minor elbow surgery in early March—a precautionary procedure expected to have him fully ready for summer workouts—it was redshirt freshman Emory Williams who stole the spotlight, lighting up the field with confidence, poise, and precision.

On a night that began with uncertainty around the quarterback depth chart, Williams may have answered some big questions for head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson. And in doing so, he may have ignited a real conversation about Miami’s quarterback future—even beyond Beck’s return.

Williams’ Statement Performance: 21-of-28, 278 Yards, 3 Touchdowns

Williams wasted no time seizing the moment. Taking the first-team reps with Beck out, he led an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to open the game, capping it with a beautiful back-shoulder fade to receiver Isaiah Horton for a 14-yard score.

By the time the final horn sounded, Williams had completed 21-of-28 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball around with mature field vision and demonstrating a grasp of Dawson’s offense that belied his limited in-game experience.

“It felt good to get into a rhythm,” Williams said postgame. “I’ve been working every day like I’m the starter, and tonight was just a chance to show that. This offense has so many weapons, it’s really fun to be out there.”

Cristobal echoed that sentiment.

“Emory’s command of the offense has taken a big leap,” Cristobal said. “His preparation, decision-making, leadership—all of it. He’s earned the respect of this locker room.”

Carson Beck: Recovery On Track

Though he didn’t suit up, Beck was still very much part of Saturday’s scene. Wearing a headset and standing near Dawson on the sideline, he was engaged throughout the game, signaling in plays, offering tips to younger QBs, and celebrating with teammates.

Beck underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery on his throwing arm in early March after experiencing mild discomfort during the first week of spring practices. The medical staff labeled it a “clean-up procedure,” and sources close to the program have said Beck’s recovery is on schedule.

“He’s progressing really well,” Cristobal said when asked about Beck. “The timeline has always been for him to be full-go by June, and we have no reason to believe he won’t be. He’s been an incredible leader throughout the spring, even while not playing.”

Beck transferred to Miami in January after spending four years at Georgia, where he started for the Bulldogs during their 2023 SEC title run. The Tallahassee native brings experience, accuracy, and pocket presence that made him one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the portal.

While Beck is still the presumptive starter heading into the 2025 season, Williams’ spring performance creates intrigue—and perhaps a level of insurance Miami didn’t realize it had.

Offensive Rhythm and a Deep Receiver Room

Beyond Williams’ breakout night, the Spring Game also served as a showcase for Miami’s improved receiving corps, which looks far deeper and more dynamic than in recent years.

Sophomore Isaiah Horton hauled in five passes for 89 yards and a touchdown, displaying both vertical speed and reliable hands. Slot receiver Ray Ray Joseph, a name that drew plenty of buzz this spring, added six receptions for 72 yards, including a dazzling 33-yard catch-and-run across the middle where he broke two tackles and juked a safety out of his shoes.

Perhaps the biggest revelation was true freshman five-star receiver Zamari Sands, who made a highlight-reel 45-yard grab late in the third quarter, going up over a defender and tapping both feet in bounds like a seasoned veteran.

“Zamari’s a baller,” Williams said. “He’s already playing like he’s been here three years.”

Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has been tasked with modernizing Miami’s offense, and Saturday showed signs of major progress. Motion, spacing, tempo—it was all there, and with playmakers at every level, the Hurricanes look ready to finally bring explosiveness back to Coral Gables.

Backfield Balance

The quarterback and receiver performances stole headlines, but Miami’s running back room deserves credit too. The trio of TreVonte’ Citizen, Ajay Allen, and freshman standout Jordan Lyle combined for 124 yards on 20 carries, keeping the offense balanced and efficient.

Citizen, who has battled injuries the last two years, looked the healthiest he’s ever been. He finished with 56 yards and a touchdown on just seven carries, consistently breaking through arm tackles and showing renewed burst.

Allen added 45 yards and a 9-yard receiving touchdown, showcasing his versatility out of the backfield. Lyle, an early enrollee from St. Thomas Aquinas, flashed elusiveness and vision, hinting at a bright future.

“Those guys are violent runners,” Cristobal said. “They don’t go down easy, and they’re all good in pass protection, too. That group is going to be a huge part of our identity.”

A Better Look at the Offensive Line

Perhaps the most underappreciated aspect of the Spring Game was the offensive line’s performance. Despite missing projected starting right tackle Matthew McCoy (minor ankle sprain), the unit allowed just one sack and consistently gave Williams time to work through his progressions.

Francis Mauigoa, the five-star sophomore, played both right tackle and left tackle during the game and looked dominant in both spots. Fellow sophomore Samson Okunlola, who redshirted last season, rotated in at guard and tackle and showed why many in the program believe he’ll be an All-ACC player by 2026.

“We’re getting closer to having a championship-level offensive line,” Cristobal said. “Still work to do, but we’re much more cohesive and physical than this time last year.”

Defensive Bright Spots

While the offense largely dictated the pace of the game, the defense had its moments as well. Redshirt sophomore linebacker Wesley Bissainthe continued his strong spring by leading all defenders with eight tackles and a sack. His speed and instincts were on full display, and he looks poised to take over as the quarterback of Lance Guidry’s defense.

Edge rusher Rueben Bain, already an All-ACC selection as a freshman, recorded two quarterback hurries and tipped a pass at the line. He didn’t play a full workload, but his impact was immediately noticeable.

In the secondary, freshman cornerback Zyaire Jones intercepted a tipped pass from backup QB Reese Poffenbarger and nearly returned it for a touchdown. Safety Kamren Kinchens, the leader of the defensive backs unit, delivered a jarring hit on Citizen that reminded everyone he’s still the enforcer on the back end.

Depth Chart Takeaways

While nothing is set in stone in April, the Spring Game gave some insight into where Miami’s depth chart currently stands. Here are a few early takeaways:

Quarterback:

• 1. Carson Beck (when healthy)
• 2. Emory Williams
• 3. Reese Poffenbarger
• 4. Judd Anderson (true freshman)

Running Back:

• 1A. TreVonte’ Citizen
• 1B. Ajay Allen
• 3. Jordan Lyle

Wide Receiver (Top 4):

• 1. Isaiah Horton
• 2. Ray Ray Joseph
• 3. Xavier Restrepo (injured, did not play)
• 4. Zamari Sands

Offensive Line (Projected):

• LT: Francis Mauigoa
• LG: Anez Cooper
• C: Jalen Rivers
• RG: Samson Okunlola
• RT: Matthew McCoy

Defense (Standouts):

• LB: Wesley Bissainthe
• DE: Rueben Bain
• S: Kamren Kinchens
• CB: Daryl Porter Jr. / Zyaire Jones (battle brewing)

What This Means Heading Into Summer

With spring practices now wrapped up, the Hurricanes will enter the summer with more clarity—and confidence—than perhaps at any point in Cristobal’s tenure.

Yes, the quarterback situation still technically belongs to Beck. He was brought in to elevate the offense and compete for an ACC title. But Emory Williams’ performance has ensured that Miami has a safety net. If Beck needs more time to recover or struggles to adapt early, the team now knows it has a capable, confident Plan B.

Beyond that, the Spring Game provided confirmation that the offensive system is clicking, the young talent is real, and the line of scrimmage—on both sides of the ball—is growing into a strength.

Cristobal didn’t mince words afterward.

“This is the most competitive and complete we’ve looked at this time of year since I got here. It’s not hype—it’s real. But we’ve got to keep building. May and June will determine how far we go in September.”

The 2025 Spring Game may go down as a turning point for Emory Williams. What was supposed to be a showcase for Carson Beck instead turned into a statement for a redshirt freshman who might just be the quarterback of the future.

The good news for Miami fans? For the first time in a long time, there’s depth, development, and options at the game’s most important position.

And with a defense led by future NFL talent and an offense finally finding its rhythm, the Hurricanes look like a team ready to return to national relevance.