CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Miami backup quarterbacks Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith both announced plans to transfer yesterday, a surprising pair of moves that suddenly leave the Hurricanes lacking depth at the marquee position.

Miami will list freshman A.J. Highsmith as the backup to starter Jacory Harris for the Sept. 7 season-opener at Florida State. Besides Harris, the only other player on Miami's roster with any college quarterback experience is holder Matt Perrelli, who saw time in one game during the 2006 season.

Miami coach Randy Shannon said he was surprised by both decisions.

"It was kind of strange, to me," Shannon said. "Both guys came in and they felt like, given the situation and what we had, it was better for them to go pursue other options."

Fall semester classes start today at Miami. By leaving yesterday, Cook and Smith likely will not lose a year of NCAA eligibility. Both will try to enroll elsewhere closer to their homes — Cook is from Texas, Smith from Tennessee.

Each approached Shannon separately with transfer requests. Miami gave both players their release, and Shannon indicated that both were frustrated with the prospects of spending possibly three more seasons behind Harris on the depth chart.

"They need to go do what's best for them," Shannon said.

Shannon said months ago that Cook held the No. 2 spot on the depth chart after spring practice behind Harris, who played in all 13 games last year but started only two, splitting time with Robert Marve — who left last December, saying he couldn't continue in the two-quarterback system. Marve transferred to Purdue.

But on Monday, Shannon revealed competition for the backup spot was open. One day later, Cook and Smith were both gone.

"It was a hard decision for me to leave the program," Cook said in a statement released through the school. "I enjoyed my time at Miami and I'm going to miss it. I feel bad leaving my teammates, but it's a move I had to make. I have the utmost respect for Coach Shannon and (offensive coordinator Mark) Whipple and I wish them the best of the luck."

Smith completed his only pass last season, for two yards. Cook didn't have any passing stats in his lone Miami season.

"Everything here was handled with a lot of class," Smith said. "I got to compete and that's what I wanted. ... After evaluating everything, I felt I had to do what was in my best interest."

VIRGINIA TECH

QB TAYLOR SEEKS ADVICE FROM VICK

To prepare for his first season carrying Virginia Tech's national title hopes, Tyrod Taylor sought the counsel of another dual-threat quarterback who performed the role for the Hokies better than anyone: Michael Vick.

The two quarterbacks spoke by phone after Vick was released from federal prison earlier this summer. Vick's dazzling play carried the Hokies to the Sugar Bowl following the 1999 season, where they lost the national championship game 46-29 to Florida State.

Now, it's Taylor's turn to try and do the same thing.

"He just told me that this was a big season and just to go out there and have fun ... don't put too much pressure on myself," Taylor said.