Hurricanes quarterback Preston Dewey, who was behind starter Stephen Morris, backup Ryan Williams and third-teamer Gray Crow, is no longer on the Hurricanes football team, as reported yesterday.

Dewey released the following written statement through the University.

"Following consultations with doctors in Miami and in Texas, it was determined that I am no longer able to play football because of my back injury. We have scheduled surgery for December and I am looking forward to getting better.

"I have decided to remain at the University of Miami to complete my education. I would like to thank Coach Golden for the opportunity to be a part of the Hurricanes football program -- the future is bright for this team. Obviously this is a very sad time for me, but I will continue to be a supporter of this team and these coaches; and I will be a Hurricane for life."

Quarterback Kevin Olsen, a true freshman, is the other scholarship QB. He's still learning the system and is expected to be redshirted.

Preston would be a redshirt freshman this season, which means he's never played in a game. He is from Austin, Texas, and graduated from St. Andrew's Episcopal School.

Preston's dad told our Barry Jackson a while back that Preston had been fighting a back injury. He told Barry last night that he never would have been cleared medically to play because of the injury, but that UM is honoring his scholarship. He also said Preston injured himself during spring practice, but UM never announced it.

UM told me yesterday, and Preston's dad told Barry yesterday, that Preston was still on scholarship -- and that it is in some way connected with his injury. UM said he was not counted among the roster limit of 105.

Preston is a nice young man, and I hope he does well. He will be working as an intern with UM's sports marketing team.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN