Marve’s quest to earn UM QB job underway

Will former Plant standout Robert Marve be the Miami Hurricanes' starting quarterback this fall?

If he performs well this spring, he just might.

The 'Canes began spring practice Tuesday and Marve, who led Plant to the 2006 Class 4A state title by throwing for 48 touchdowns (then a state record), is one of three signal callers competing for the starting spot. The redshirt freshman is battling with heralded true freshman Jacory Harris of Miami Northwestern and another freshman, Cannon Smith.

Marve's main competition is likely to come from Harris, an athletic 6-foot-4, 175-pounder who guided his high school team to the mythical national title last fall. Marve (6-1, 203) has a little extra time in offensive coordinator Patrick Nix's system, and that can't hurt. But Harris is a favorite son to many locals, and thus there likely will be a push by many in the community to get him on the field. It should be fun watching things play out in Coral Gables.

To track Marve's progress, you can get daily UM practice reports HERE.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR