On Saturday night time, the Downtown Athletic Membership hosted the Heisman Trophy Ceremony on ESPN. Among the many finalists for the celebrated award was Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward.
A 6’2”, 222lb senior from West Columbia, TX, Ward has been among the many best gamers within the sport for the previous 5 years. A 0-star recruit from a small city that ran a wing-T offense, Ward took his solely scholarship provide to Incarnate Phrase, a small FCS staff positioned in close by Houston. Ward promptly took the job from the incumbent starter, and posted big numbers.
After getting began with a 2,260 yards on 60.4% completions with 24 TDs and 4 INTs within the shortened COVID season (performed within the spring of 2021), Ward took his sport to new ranges within the full fall 2021 season. 4,648 yards passing on 65.1% completions with 47 TDs and 10 interceptions for a 10-3 UIW staff that misplaced within the 2nd spherical of the FCS playoffs.
Following his time at Incarnate Phrase, Ward transferred to Washington State. For many, the step up in competitors could be greater than they may take. For Ward, it was an opportunity to indicate his prodigious abilities at the next stage. 3,232 yards on 64.4% completions with 23 TDs and 9 INTs in his first season for the Cougars. Wazzu went 7-6 and made a bowl sport.
Ward stepped his sport up once more in 2023, and was absolutely a identified identify within the CFB world. 3,736 yards on 66.7% completions with 25 TDs and seven INTs, and wins over Wisconsin and Oregon State, who have been each ranked on the time of the video games. The Cougars pale after a 4-0 begin, and completed 5-7, however Ward’s efficiency remained elite all alongside the best way.
After initially coming into the switch portal, and taking visits to a number of colleges together with Miami, Ward entered his identify into the 2024 NFL Draft. Ward acquired a draft grade that made him rethink that call, and reversed course, committing to Miami to be their QB for the 2024 season.
As soon as in Coral Gables, Ward’s efficiency was nothing wanting transcendent. It began within the opener towards Florida, a blowout win towards a hated rival, and didn’t cease. Ward’s stat line this season was unimaginable: 293 for 435 passing (67.4% completions) for 4,123 yards with 36 TDs and seven interceptions, 196 yards and 4 TDs speeding, and 1 catch for 7 yards and 1 landing. And people weren’t empty stats. Ward led Miami to a 9-0 begin and high 4 rating within the nation. Whereas Miami would lose 2 of their last 3 common season video games, Ward continued to place up monster numbers, however was let down by his protection.
In his solely season at Miami, Ward has re-written the passing document e-book for the Canes. He holds the only season information for passing yards, landing passes, and complete touchdowns. Whereas posting that efficiency, Ward led Miami to 10 wins for the primary time since 2017, and has the Canes in place to win 11 video games for the primary time since 2003. For his efforts, Ward was named ACC General and Offensive Participant of the Yr, and likewise received the Davey O’Brien Award because the nation’s greatest Quarterback.
Although he has been a transcendent participant for Miami, and posted online game numbers with loads of spotlight reel performs alongside the best way, Ward didn’t win the Heisman Trophy. He completed 4th behind Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter, the primary primarily defensive participant to win the award since Charles Woodson in 1997, Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, and Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel completed. Listed here are the ultimate voting numbers:
Despite the fact that he didn’t win the Heisman, Ward had the best end of any Miami Hurricane in 20 years. RB Willis McGahee and QB Ken Dorsey completed 4th and fifth, respectively, in 2002.
“He is the most effective participant I’ve ever been round, and he is the most effective quarterback within the nation” – Mario Cristobal speaking about Cam Ward simply now
— StateOfTheU.com (@TheStateOfTheU) December 15, 2024
A document setting 12 months to cap an unimaginable profession that began as a 0 star recruit and ends in New York Metropolis on the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Regardless of the way you slice it, Cam Ward has been successful story for the Miami Hurricanes, and I’m honored to have been in a position to watch him this season.
You possibly can watch Cam Ward for the ultimate time in his storied faculty profession when the Miami Hurricanes face the Iowa State Cyclones within the Pop Tarts Bowl on December twenty eighth.
Go Canes