Mario Cristobal believes Cam Ward can be what Miami needs at quarterback to get the program going in the right direction. The Hurricanes brought in Ward as a transfer from Washington State this offseason after struggling at the position in 2023.
Miami finished just 7-6 in its second season under Cristobal and benched starting QB Tyler Van Dyke in the middle of the season amid problems with turnovers. With Van Dyke having transferred this offseason, the hope is that Ward can step in and lead to better results.
So far, Cristobal has seen nothing but good things from Ward on the practice field. However, it’s the way he approaches improving on his own time and encourages his teammates to go the same that has really stuck out.
“That’s maybe his best trait,” Cristobal said. “You see all the stuff on film. He can throw the ball all over the field and make dynamic plays with his arm, with his feet. But the fact that right away as a transfer, he fit in because of his work ethic and his ability to bring people together.
“He’s gonna just grab people and take ’em upstairs after practice and watch extra film. He’s gonna have people come over to his house and they’re gonna sit down, break bread and they’re gonna talk and connect. He’s gonna make them come in on weekend and get a ton of extra work with them. He’s very focused and intent on bettering the program, his play and everything that comes with it. So he’s been a tremendous move for us.”
Ward spent only two seasons at Washington State after making a name for himself at the FCS level with Incarnate Word. He started 25 games for the Cougars to finish with 6,963 passing yards and 48 touchdowns compared to 16 interceptions. He also scored 13 rushing touchdowns.
Washington State rose as high as No. 13 in the AP poll this past season after a 4-0 hot start led by Ward. However, it would go on to lose seven of its final eight games and miss out on a bowl game.
With the Pac-12 effectively falling apart due to conference realignment, Ward chose to play the final season of his college career in Miami. It can hopefully be a move that benefits both sides as he hopes to go out on a high note while also setting up the Hurricanes for future success.
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