Hurricanes starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke expected to return after missing Clemson game
MIAMI GARDENS — Tyler Van Dyke returned to the field for Miami’s game against Virginia after missing the Hurricanes’ win over Clemson last week.
Van Dyke started the game and was wearing what appeared to be a brace on his right knee.
Freshman Emory Williams started against Clemson last week, helping lead Miami to a crucial win.
Williams went 24 of 33 with 151 yards and a touchdown pass in the win over the Tigers. He had one interception. Pro Football Focus gave him a 79.1 offensive grade with a 78.3 passing grade.
“He had to make some plays at the end, which I knew that was going to happen,” offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said Monday.
“And when it was his time to make plays, he made them. I don’t know if it was a deal where he couldn’t have made them at the beginning. He probably could. I didn’t want to go out there and put the whole game on him at the beginning. But I also knew that at some point in the game, he was going to have to make a crucial throw or a couple, and when those times came, he came through for sure.”
Van Dyke, who suffered torn ligaments in his finger during fall training camp, reportedly has been dealing with a leg injury, according to the Associated Press.
Van Dyke has completed 70.5 percent of his passes this year for 1,721 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions this season.
Williams has played in four games and completed 75 percent of his passes for 291 yards. He has one touchdown and one interception.
Running backs getting healthier
The Hurricanes’ running back corps has been battered by injuries this season, but they all appeared to be ready to play Saturday afternoon.
Henry Parrish Jr., who missed Miami’s win against Clemson with an undisclosed injury, warmed up with the team before the game. Don Chaney Jr., who left the Clemson game due to an injury, was also warming up.
Mark Fletcher Jr., who has not played since Miami’s game against Temple on Sept. 23, warmed up before the game.
Redshirt freshman TreVonte’ Citizen also dressed and warmed up for the first time in his UM career. Citizen suffered a major knee injury before the 2022 season and has not yet made his college debut.
Homecoming for St. Thomas Aquinas alumni
Four players from South Florida high school powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas play for Virginia, and they had a chance for a homecoming trip this weekend.
Offensive lineman Dawson Alters, defensive lineman Jason Hammond, tight end TeKai Kirby and offensive lineman Blake Steen all suited up for the 14-time state champions.
Two other South Florida players from other schools also play for the Cavaliers: Miami Gulliver Prep kicker Will Bettridge and Stranahan defensive back Dave Herard.
Additionally, former UM running back Cody Brown returns to Hard Rock Stadium. Brown transferred to Virginia before the 2022 season.
This story will be updated.