Teams have had a good while now since spring practice ended and they’re into the dog days of summer. That’s when a team’s real mettle can be tested. Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes certainly hope it’s a springboard to bigger and better things.
Cristobal opened up on what he saw from his team coming out of the spring a few weeks ago in a sit-down with the ACC Network.
“I felt strong progress in the form of culture, in the form of roster, in the form of people, work ethic and progress,” Cristobal said.
There are a few reasons for that feeling.
A big one? The guy Miami brought in to play quarterback this offseason: Washington State standout Cam Ward.
Ward already has the credentials at the big-time college level. He’s thrown for 6,966 yards and 48 touchdowns in the last two seasons, while throwing 16 interceptions. He’s also run for 13 scores in that timeframe, showing quality ability to make things happen with his legs when plays break down.
But it’s what he does that doesn’t show up in a box score that makes Cristobal so confident Miami’s got the right guy.
“You see all the great stuff on film, right?” Cristobal said. “He can throw the ball all over the field and makes dynamic plays with his arms, with his feet. But the fact that right away as a transfer fit in with his work ethic and his ability to bring people together. I mean he’s going to just grab people and take them upstairs after practice and watch extra film.”
Going back to Cristobal’s earlier takeaways from this Miami team, it’s impossible to separate the improvements in culture, work ethic and overall progress from Ward. He’s had a huge hand in all three elements.
And Cristobal only expected that to continue over the summer months, when the real identities of teams are forged.
“He’s going to have people come over to his house, they’re going to sit down, break bread, they’re going to talk and connect,” Cristobal said. “He’s going to make them come in on weekends and he’s going to get a ton of extra work with them. He is very focused and intent on bettering the program, his play, everything that comes with it. So he’s been a tremendous boon for us.”
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