The Miami Hurricanes are eagerly awaiting the moment when quarterback Carson Beck can fully participate in practice, once his surgically repaired right elbow is strong enough to let him fire passes at full speed. However, that day is still a little ways off.
Beck, who transferred from Georgia this offseason, is recovering from UCL surgery after suffering an injury during the SEC Championship Game in December. As Miami’s spring practice window nears its end, he remains limited to individual drills and work on the side.
Speaking after Thursday’s 11th practice of 15, head coach Mario Cristobal shared optimism about Beck’s progress, stating that he is “probably a little bit ahead of schedule” in his rehab.
“I know everybody would like to see him throw it and really wing it out there,” Cristobal said. “Again, everything is ahead of schedule, and we’re excited about his progress … But I guess I’ll save all that talk for when he’s actually practicing so you guys can get a real feel for him.”
The Hurricanes’ spring game is set for April 12, though Beck’s full return to practice will likely come later.
Head coach Mario Cristobal emphasized the importance of mental reps for Carson Beck as he continues his recovery.
“You’ve got to take as many mental reps as you possibly can,” Cristobal said. “It comes in the form of meetings on the chalkboard, walkthroughs during practice, standing behind the quarterbacks, getting every signal, communicating, verbalizing, and making sure he’s going through his audibles—any check, any protection adjustment.”
Cristobal added that Beck is meeting daily with the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach to maximize his understanding of the system while his body heals.
Offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa noted that Beck has been constantly communicating with the O-line about his preferences in the pocket and pass protection strategies, ensuring he’s ready to take charge when he returns to full action.
Francis Mauigoa expressed confidence in Carson Beck, praising his proactive approach and communication with the offensive line.
“I feel confident about this guy,” Mauigoa said. “He comes in and talks to us about, like, ‘Hey, can I do this? Can I do that? Can I set the protection this way?’ I know this guy’s gonna come in, and that brings us confidence. He’s been a great guy.”
Mauigoa emphasized that Beck’s early communication with the O-line is crucial, as it will accelerate the learning curve once he’s cleared for live reps.
“That communication is elite,” Mauigoa added. “Now we know that when he comes in, we’re not starting from scratch—we’re picking up where we left off. We don’t want to go back; we want to keep moving forward.”
In the meantime, Miami’s other quarterbacks—Emory Williams (redshirt sophomore), Judd Anderson (redshirt freshman), and Luke Nickel (true freshman)—are benefiting from increased reps in Beck’s absence.
“Obviously, it’s invaluable,” said offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson earlier this spring. “Reps are the main thing. It is crucial to their development, for sure.”
