Miami QBs Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith to transfer

[PonyB]

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/con ... 825um.html

By JORGE MILIAN

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

CORAL GABLES — The University of Miami will play the 2009 season with only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster.

Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith, who were battling for the No. 2 job behind starter Jacory Harris, have decided to transfer and are awaiting their release from UM.

Coach Randy Shannon was not immediately available for comment.

"I had to make a career choice," said Cook, a redshirt freshman from Eagle Lake, Texas. "Some things happen. I have all the respect in the world for coach Shannon and (offensive coordinator Mark) Whipple but I had to make a decision about my future and that's the choice I made."

Smith, a sophomore who played in one game last season, said he told Shannon of his decision following Monday afternoon's practice.

"I thought about it and came to a decision I thought was in my best interests," said Smith, from Memphis, Tenn. "It's time to move on. There are no sour grapes. I have nothing but good memories about this place. But this is what is best for me."

With Cook and Smith departing, the Hurricanes will open the season on Sept. 7 against FSU with Harris and true freshman A.J. Highsmith as the only scholarship quarterbacks on the roster.

"They took it well," Cook said of UM's coaches. "They understand. I appreciate the opportunity they gave me, but this is best for me."

Both quarterbacks said Shannon was "surprised" with their decision, but cordial.

Cook and Smith are the second and third quarterbacks to transfer from Miami since January. Robert Marve, the starter in 11 games in 2008, left UM in January and transferred to Purdue.

Cook was named the backup to Harris following spring practice, but Shannon said following Monday's practice that the No. 2 job was "wide open."

Cook said those comments did not play a role in his decision.

"It's been a couple of weeks that I've been thinking about this," Cook said. "It's time to move on and play somewhere else."

Smith said he had already been contacted by "a bunch of people" from Division I-A schools. Smith said he expected to visit a few schools before coming to a decision.

"I have a lot of good options." Smith said.

Cook declined to say where he might end up.

Smith said he was aware that Cook was considering transferring, but that the two quarterbacks never discussed their plans in detail.

"While both of us were here, we were both trying to give this team everything we had," Smith said. "Through camp, all I had been thinking about was playing here and helping this team.

[Garret]

FYI, Cannon Smith's final two schools were Miami and Hawaii. There is some link between JJ and Cannon Smith's Dad (the FedEx exec).

[mrydel]

Every team needs a quarterback named Cannon.

[smu diamond m]

Every team needs a quarterback named Cannon.

Or Bo Levi?

[leopold]

Smith has narrowed it down to three schools, including us. And his dad isn't just an exec at FedEx, he's the founder and owner, Fred Smith.

Another paper's take on the situation.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/20 ... ves-canes/

edit: Saw where someone else posted link. My bad.

[RGV Pony]

Smith has narrowed it down to three schools, including us. And his dad isn't just an exec at FedEx, he's the founder and owner, Fred Smith.

Another paper's take on the situation.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/20 ... ves-canes/

damn. Way to [deleted] off someone with deep pockets, Miami. If I was Coach Shannon the kid wouldve been the starter for the Canes when he was still a senior in HS. Sounds like there is a new opening at the table of the Circle o' Champions.

[Caballo]

Taylor Cook is from Eagle Lake, Texas. He is 6'7" and indicated in an ESPN story that he is looking to play closer to home.

Eagle Lake is west of Houston. Dallas is only about 4 hours away. That is pretty close to home.

[HFvictory]

Taylor Cook is from Eagle Lake, Texas. He is 6'7" and indicated in an ESPN story that he is looking to play closer to home.

Eagle Lake is west of Houston. Dallas is only about 4 hours away. That is pretty close to home.

He had an offer from SMU.

[RGV Pony]

Taylor Cook is from Eagle Lake, Texas. He is 6'7" and indicated in an ESPN story that he is looking to play closer to home.

Eagle Lake is west of Houston. Dallas is only about 4 hours away. That is pretty close to home.

seems like Sumlin would have an easy time reeling him in.

[mrydel]

Only if we do not want him anyway.

[SMU 86]

Every team needs a quarterback named Cannon.

And every team needs a quarterback with a cannon for an arm.

[davidpaul123]

Every team needs a quarterback named Cannon.

And every team needs a quarterback with a cannon for an arm.

or a gunslinger.

[kull]

Every team needs a quarterback named Cannon.

And every team needs a quarterback with a cannon for an arm.

or a gunslinger.

at least the tattoo

[CalallenStang]

On NCAAbbs "minnesotaowl" (Rice's version of George S. Patton?) has reported that Taylor Cook will be a Rice Owl.

[kull]

it has been confirmed

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/ncfnation/0- ... -Rice.html