MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The University of Miami football team is just days away from spring practice. But when the Canes gather for their first practice of 2012, they will be without the team’s projected starting quarterback, Stephen Morris.

According to CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald, Morris underwent back surgery in the offseason and will be slowly working his way back into football shape, without the contact.

UM said Morris was limited and said head coach Al Golden would discuss Morris’ situation and prognosis during a Thursday news conference.

Without Morris, the Canes only have three scholarship quarterbacks available during spring ball. They include Memphis Tigers transfer Ryan Williams, who is eligible after sitting out last season, and incoming true freshmen Preston Dewey and Gray Crow.

In Morris’ freshman year, he threw for 1,240 yards, seven touchdowns and nine interceptions in six games he played in, including four starts.

In 2011, Morris was 26-37 for 283 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in five games and served primarily as Jacory Harris’ backup.